According to the article “Medicare ‘Buy-In’: A bargain or burden?” by Richard Wolf for USA Today, the latest health insurance proposal involves letting people use Medicare starting as early as age 55.

While this may sound appealing to many, the Medicare premium has not been determined and it could be costly.  Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, and other Democrats are considering expanding eligible consumers for Medicare and maybe Medicare supplement insurance plans.  This is an effort to break a deadlock between liberals and moderates who are unable to agree on a government run health insurance plan.

Details of this proposed plan are still pending an analysis completed by the Congressional Budget Office, who will project costs associated with the plan.  Those who are ages 55-64 who are uninsured or looking for more competitive premiums would likely be eligible.  Most consumers with employer based coverage would not be eligible for early Medicare coverage.  Finding health insurance for this age group may get easier if this plan is put into effect.