Boomers
Health Coverage among 50- to 64-Year-Olds
Research Report
Gerry Smolka, AARP Public Policy Institute
Leigh Purvis, AARP Public Policy Institute
Carlos Figueiredo, AARP Public Policy Institute
May 2007
Because medical problems and health costs commonly increase with age, having health coverage during midlife takes on growing importance. In 2005, there were 51 million Americans between the ages of 50 and 64, of whom 14 percent (7.1 million adults) were uninsured.
Analyzing data primarily from the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey, these AARP Public Policy Institute Data Digests discuss health coverage among midlife Americans and how they get – or don't get – health insurance.
The reports ask and provides answers to these questions:
- What are the sources of health coverage among those age 50 to 64?
- Do coverage patterns differ for those between 50 and 64 who work and those who retire before age 65?
- Do older adults with individually purchased private coverage differ from those with employer-sponsored coverage?
- What are the characteristics of persons ages 50-64 who are uninsured?