Health Insurance Marketplace Bill Will Harm Older Workers

Source: AARP Press Center | April 6, 2006

AARP CEO Bill Novelli said the following about the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act:

"While it is a laudable goal to make health insurance more accessible and affordable for small businesses, the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act, which the US Senate is expected to consider in early May, does so by placing older workers at significant risk.

In its current form, this legislation would drive health care premiums higher for many employers and employees, put critical benefits—like cancer screening—out of reach for many Americans, and create a disincentive for employers to hire or retain older workers.

The elimination of discriminatory restrictions has been tried before with disastrous consequences. When a state law was passed in 2003, employers in New Hampshire would not hire older or ill workers for fear that their health insurance rates would increase.

The law also caused rates for small businesses to skyrocket. What small businesses need is health care insurance with predictable costs that enhance their appeal to a diverse and skilled workforce."