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March 27, 2001
ROCKEFELLER INTRODUCES BILL TO AID OLDER AMERICANS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) introduced the Medicare Early Access and Tax Credit Act which would allow individuals between the ages of 55 and 64 to buy into the Medicare program early or to obtain coverage through a special COBRA (Combined Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) continuation program. Many of these older Americans have lost their health insurance due to early retirement or lay offs, but are too young to qualify for health insurance under Medicare.
"People between ages 55 and 65 are the fastest growing group of uninsured Americans. These individuals often have a difficult time buying health insurance on their own because they tend to have more chronic health problems that can result in either the denial of coverage, limited coverage, or very expensive policies," Rockefeller said. "This legislation is simply aimed at helping a vulnerable segment of our population who need access to affordable health insurance."
The legislation also includes a 50 percent federal tax credit that would make it even more affordable for people age 55 and over to obtain health insurance coverage.
"The Medicare Early Access and Tax Credit Act is a step in the right direction to helping one of the fastest growing groups of uninsured Americans," Rockefeller added.
Rockefeller was joined by Senators Daschle, Kennedy, and Sarbanes in introducing the legislation. A companion bill in the House of Representatives was also introduced today by Reps. Stark, Brown, Gephardt, Rangel, and Dingell.
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