Private Health Insurance: Declining Employer Coverage May Affect Access for 55-to 64-Year-Olds

摘要

At your request, this report examines the access of near-elderly Americans, aged55 to 64, to health benefits through private insurance--either employer-based or individually purchased. Specifically, the report discusses the near elderly's health, employment, income, and health insurance status; ability to obtain employer-based health insurance if they retire before becoming eligible for Medicare; and use of and costs associated with purchasing coverage through the individual market or employer-based continuation insurance.