A Medicare Buy In for the Near Elderly: Design Issues and Potential Effects on Coverage

TitleA Medicare Buy In for the Near Elderly: Design Issues and Potential Effects on Coverage
Publication TypeReport
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsJohnson, RW, Moon, M, Davidoff, AJ
InstitutionHenry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
CityWashington, D.C.
KeywordsDemographics, Medicare/Medicaid/Health Insurance
Abstract

A Medicare buy-in allowing persons below the age of full eligibility to purchase Medicare
coverage has been discussed as one way to help uninsured near-elderly persons obtain health
insurance coverage. This report describes estimates of participation rates in Medicare buy-ins
and measures the potential impact of buy-in plans on uninsurance. The report also examines
some key issues that arise in designing buy-in plans. The results suggest that many near-elderly
Americans would purchase Medicare coverage, but the introduction of a buy-in would
substantially reduce uninsurance rates only if premiums were related to income.

URLhttp://files.kff.org/attachment/report-A-Medicare-Buy-In-for-the-Near-Elderly-Design-Issues-and-Potential-Effects-on-Coverage
Endnote Keywords

Medicare/Health Insurance Coverage/Middle Aged Adults

Endnote ID

8662

Citation Key5499