What could possibly be wrong with lowering Medicare’s eligibility age to 55, while leaving negotiation of prescription drug prices and cost containment off the table?

Senate Democrats are discussing the idea of expanding Medicare by lowering the age limit for the government-run insurance program…

 

The proposal would lower the age of eligibility for Medicare by ten years. Those over 55 and under 65 (the current eligibility age) would be allowed to "buy-in" to the system. They would have to pay a premium for the coverage…

 

…"On its own, it's a good idea," Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters Monday afternoon. He added that Democrats are also looking at expanding Medicaid. "We're looking at both ends," he said.

 

…But there are potential complications. Medicare already is on an increasingly expensive financial track.

 

Sam Stein

Huffington Post, December 7, 2009