As the Senate debates comprehensive
health reform legislation, the idea of a Medicare buy-in option for
uninsured adults aged 55-64 has re-emerged as a potential component of a reform
plan.
This Kaiser Family Foundation policy
brief provides an updated profile of the more than 4 million uninsured people
between ages 55 and 64 and examines historical proposals to allow uninsured
older adults to purchase Medicare coverage. It also examines barriers to
securing affordable coverage in the current marketplace, and the effect
of premiums and eligibility criteria on the potential uptake of a Medicare
buy-in.
Issue Brief (.pdf)
Previous version:
Issue Brief - May 2009 (.pdf)
