Addressing the Health Care Needs of Americans in Their Bridge Years

Health care reform legislation should contain measures that, together, address the health care challenges faced by more than 33 million Americans who are in their “Bridge Years” (55-64 year olds).  This population is particularly vulnerable.  Those with employer-sponsored insurance are often at risk when they retire or are subject to layoffs, and those who do not have insurance often face insurmountable cost hurdles in the individual market and are generally excluded from public programs. For example, they are too young to qualify for Medicare or are not poor enough to receive Medicaid.

On September 22nd, 2009, the Senate Finance Committee began deliberating America's Healthy Future Act. We are encouraged by Senator Baucus' revised chairman's mark. We see the following modified marks and amendments as positive steps that will help Americans in their Bridge Years: 

First, reducing the age rating maximum. Combined with the overall restructuring of the individual market through the new Health Insurance Gateways or Exchanges, this measure will improve the affordability of health insurance for Americans in their Bridge Years.   

Second, the addition of the Kerry/Stabenow reinsurance provision which adds a $5 billion reinsurance program to reimburse eligible plans 80 percent of claims between $15,000 and ends at $90,000. It is designed to cover the claims of retirees between the ages 55 to 64.

The Bridge Years Health Coalition applauds these measures. And we encourage the Finance Committee to continue its efforts to craft provisions that, will ensure Americans in their Bridge Years have guaranteed, affordable coverage.

 

Last Updated: 09/24/09