50+ face discrimination in the workplace that could be eliminated if they could opt into Medicare [View All]

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

This population finds it extra difficult to find employment due to the fact that many employers look at them and think their group medical costs will go up, even though this is one of the most productive, knowledgeable age brackets out there. This is also the demographic that is close to being official pariahs in the private health insurance world.

We could end this problem tomorrow if Medicare were expanded to include early coverage for anyone 50 and over. I'm not saying free, I'm saying make a buy-in available. It would also make it possible for many to take on part time employment and not worry about healthcare or to utilize their experience as self-employed contractors, consultants, etc.

How hard could this be to do? I'm thinking not very hard.