Sen. Baldwin proposes lowering Medicare eligibility age to 50

By Karen Pilarski

kpilarski@conleynet.com

Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin is introducing legislation that would allow Americans as young as 50 to buy into Medicare, giving people ages 50 to 64 another option for health insurance.

The Medicare at 50 Act, introduced with several Senate colleagues, would lower the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 50. Baldwin said the proposal could expand affordable coverage options for more than 58 million Americans at a time when healthcare costs remain a major concern, the release said.

The Medicare at 50 Act would allow Americans ages 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare.

More than 60 million Americans ages 50 to 64 face challenges finding affordable, comprehensive health insurance, the release said. Despite expanded coverage options through the Affordable Care Act, 11.5% of Americans ages 55 to 64 remain uninsured, while others struggle with high premiums and out-of-pocket costs, the release said.

See MEDICARE, PAGE 5A

Baldwin From Page 1A

The Medicare at 50 Act would allow adults ages 50 to 64 to buy into Medicare before the traditional eligibility age of 65. Those who enroll would receive Medicare Parts A, B and D benefits, with the option of choosing a Medicare Advantage plan. Eligible participants also could receive premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies to help make coverage more affordable, the release said.

According to the Social Security Administration website, Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, although younger people with certain disabilities or medical conditions also may qualify. It helps cover healthcare costs but does not pay for all medical expenses or most long-term care.

People can choose Original Medicare, which covers hospital and medical services, or Medicare Advantage, which combines coverage through private insurance plans and usually includes prescription drug coverage, the website said.

Those with Original Medicare can also purchase supplemental Medigap insurance to help pay costs such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. Social Security handles enrollment in Original Medicare.

"Wisconsin families sent an unmistakable message last Tuesday: they are struggling to make ends meet and afford the skyrocketing cost of health care. So, I am taking this headon," said Baldwin. "For too many folks in their 50s and early 60s, finding affordable health insurance means paying through the nose or going without the coverage they need altogether. That’s just not right. We can and must be bold and meet the moment to lower the cost of health care. I’m fighting to give more Americans the option to buy into Medicare at 50, so they can have more choices, more affordable coverage, and some much-needed breathing room in their budgets."

Conley Media reached out repeatedly to Republican Sen. Ron Johson and Congressman Scott Fitzgerald’s office but no response was given.

The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (DConn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (DN. J.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

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