In addition to covering every American age 65 and older, Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 would have the option of enrolling in the government-administered health care program.
The sponsors estimate there are around 41 million Americans that would be eligible for Medicare coverage under their bill, the Medicare At 55 Act.
Medicare provides health insurance for seniors, covering 80% of most healthcare costs and charging a relatively low premium. Consumers enrolled in Medicare may also purchase a supplemental health insurance policy that, in most cases, covers the remaining 20% of costs.
Believed to be popular
The sponsors of the bill say they believe it would be popular with their constituents.
“Wisconsinites have sent a clear message to Washington that they want us to work across party lines to make health care more affordable, not more costly,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.). "Our legislation offers a choice for millions of older Americans to buy more affordable, quality health care coverage. For people between the ages of 55 and 64, this is a high quality option that can help reduce health insurance costs and increase competition.”
Michigan Democrat Debbie Stabenow says people between the ages of 55 and 64 often have more health problems and face higher health care costs. She says allowing consumers to buy into Medicare before age 65 would go a long way toward solving that problem.
“Giving people more quality choices at reasonable prices is something we can all agree on – that’s what letting Ohioans buy into Medicare is all about,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and another of the co-sponsors. “This is a simple solution for folks who are 55 and can’t get healthcare through work, or those who are ready to retire but aren’t yet eligible for Medicare.”
Hoping for bipartisan support
The Democrats held out hope that their measure could gain bi-partisan support, but it has garnered no Republican co-sponsors. In the wake of the GOP's frustration at being unable to repeal and replace the affordable care act, it isn't clear how much appetite Republican lawmakers have for a measure that expands Medicare eligibility.
But Democrats say something is needed to help people in the 55 to 64 age bracket because they generally face higher health care costs. They say this age group pays more than $1,200 a year out-of-pocket for health care and is at greater risk of both chronic and acute health conditions.