Betwixt and Between: Targeting coverage reforms to those approaching Medicare

TitleBetwixt and Between: Targeting coverage reforms to those approaching Medicare
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsShea, DG, Short, PF, M. Powell, P
JournalHealth Affairs
Volume20
Issue1
Pagination219-30
Call Numberpubs_2001_Shea_DHealthAffairs.pdf
KeywordsDemographics, 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.

DOI10.1377/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 Key6743