4Who Are First Responders?
There are different meanings of first responders. In relation to Medicare, first responders are those people who have to face technological or natural disasters at work. These may include police officers, firefighters, paramedics, or medical technicians. Their job may be very dangerous, stressful, and risky with a high exposure to accidents or hazards. Studies have shown that first responders tend to have a higher rate of suicidal thoughts, PTSD, substance abuse, or depression than the general population. In addition, they typically face physically demanding tasks that would result in early retirement. That’s why there may be insurance gaps between the retirement age and the age when they are eligible for Medicare. [5]












