Washington, DC -- U.S. Congressman Brown (D-OH) today announced the introduction of a measure offering coverage to the uninsured aged 55-65.  Brown joined Reps. Stark, Gephardt, Rangel, Dingell, Weygand and more than 45 of their colleagues as sponsors of the Medicare Early Access and Tax Credit Act.  Brown, the top Democrat on the Commerce Health and Environment Subcommittee, said that, if enacted, the legislation would reduce the number of uninsured Americans by more than 500,000.

    "A new survey released today by the Commonwealth Fund finds that one in five people from age 50-64 reported a time of being without health insurance since turning 50.  Our health insurance system is failing this group of Americans.  Individuals nearing retirement are priced out of the insurance market.  We need to take this opportunity to address an insurance market failure that affects those most in need of insurance," said Brown.

    The bill provides new insurance coverage options through a Medicare buy-in for people aged 55 through 64 or through a special COBRA continuation program for workers aged 55 through 64 whose employers' reneged on the promise of retiree health coverage. The bill also provides for a new 25% federal tax credit for individuals taking advantage of these new coverage options.  The tax credit is designed to increase the affordability of this new option.

    The Commonwealth survey also found that, "When asked what source they would trust more to provide health insurance for adults ages 50 to 64, Medicare outranked employer-sponsored coverage and direct purchase of private individual health insurance...  Half of uninsured adults ages 50-64 said they would trust Medicare the most as a source of coverage."

    "Before Medicare, 60 percent of Americans over age 65 were uninsured.  The public demanded the federal government step in when it became clear that insurers would not willingly cover seniors.  Our challenge now is to help individuals aged 55-65.  As long as insurers can pick and choose who to enroll and who to exclude, this age group will continue to be vulnerable," Brown said.