About the Bridge Years Health Coalition

We are a coalition representing America’s businesses, workers, faith groups, and manufactures. Together, we are working to ensure that health care reform legislation adequately addresses the unique needs of Americans in their Bridge Years.

Our members include:

• Communications Workers of America
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
• Verizon Communications, Inc.
• National Coalition on Health Care
• Alliance for Retired Americans
• AFL-CIO
• Small Business Majority
• U.S. PIRG
• UPS
• National Consumers League

We applaud the push for health care reform; many of the policy options currently on the table are very promising. As health care reform moves forward, we are encouraging policymakers to recognize three policy options that are particularly important to American’s in their Bridge Years:

1. The creation of a temporary reinsurance program designed to stabilize employer-based coverage for early retirees;
2. The restructuring of the individual market through the new Health Insurance Gateways or Exchanges; and
3. Health care reform legislation should ensure that low-income 55-64 year olds not only have access to, but can afford health insurance coverage through public programs and subsidies.

 

Last Updated: 10/07/09