Gaps in Health Insurance Coverage Among the Near Elderly

Thank you for the opportunity to address the committee about health insurance coverage among the near elderly, those between the ages of 55 and 641. This issue is becoming increasingly important as the first Americans born during the Baby Boom years begin to reach age 55. What distinguishes the near elderly from other groups is that they are not old enough to qualify for Medicare coverage (unless they are disabled), yet they are much more likely to experience serious health problems than younger persons. In addition, many near elderly persons have already retired, which can interfere with insurance coverage because most Americans receive their health benefits from their employers. Many of those without employer-sponsored insurance face problems obtaining coverage in the private nongroup market because of their age and health problems. Thus, health insurance coverage for the near elderly merits special attention.