Title | Betwixt and Between: Targeting coverage reforms to those approaching Medicare |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2001 |
Authors | Shea, DG, Short, PF, M. Powell, P |
Journal | Health Affairs |
Volume | 20 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 219-30 |
Call Number | pubs_2001_Shea_DHealthAffairs.pdf |
Keywords | Demographics, Health Conditions and Status, Healthcare, Income, Insurance, Medicare/Medicaid/Health Insurance, Methodology, Net Worth and Assets |
Abstract | Recent Medicare buy-in proposals agree on setting eligibility at age sixty-two but disagree on linking eligibility to loss of employer insurance or ability to pay. We examine arguments for targeting incremental coverage for older Americans in these ways. While access to retiree health insurance is declining, we question whether targeting loss of employer insurance can address many older Americans' insurance problems. Furthermore, focusing on persons ages sixty-two to sixty-four misses a large group of persons in poor health with limited resources. Efforts to improve coverage for older Americans should consider trade-offs between defining eligibility by age versus ability to pay. |
DOI | 10.1377/hlthaff.20.1.219 |
Endnote Keywords | Age Factors/Eligibility Determination/Financing, Personal/Health Benefit Plans, Employee/Health Care Reform/Health Status/Income/Insurance Coverage/Medicare/Middle Age/Poverty/Support, Non U.S. Government |
Endnote ID | 4265 |
Citation Key | 6743 |