Progressive Democrats are pitching a measure that would allow Americans ages 55 to 64 to buy into the Medicare program.
The provision, though far from new, has come up recently in discussions between a group of 10 Democrats who represent both the conservative and liberal wings of the party.
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that the provision holds appeal from both ends of the party.
“I think if it’s an acceptable place to be, it’s a good place to end up,” he said. “The idea, basically, (is) to balance the amount of government and nongovernment involvement.”
Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), who for years has championed such a move, said he is helping sell the measure to the party’s fractious right and left wings.
“We’re negotiating. When you’re negotiating, nothing is ever a fixed point,” he said. “You land on something and it seems to be solving some problems—and this one seems to be solving some problems.”
It’s unclear how it would work in the context of ongoing discussions over a national health plan. One idea appearing to gain traction involves setting up a program that’s administered by the Office of Personnel Management and that works similarly to the Federal Employees Health Benefits program.
The early Medicare buy-in option could work as part of that.
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