Sherrod Brown: Allow Medicare buy-in at age 55

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) speaks at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on June 13, 2016 in Cleveland.(Photo by Angelo Merendino/Getty Images)

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) speaks at a campaign rally for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on June 13, 2016 in Cleveland.(Photo by Angelo Merendino/Getty Images)

Sen. Sherrod Brown last week introduced a bill that would allow those between the ages of 55 and 64 buy into Medicare.

The bill, cosponsored by seven other Democrats, would allow the 41 million Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 to buy into the federal entitlement program. Those who bought into the health plan would receive the same benefits and protections as an individual enrolled under Medicare parts A, B, and D.

In a statement, Brown said the bill “is a simple solution for folks who are 55 and can’t get healthcare through work, or those who are ready to retire but aren’t yet eligible for Medicare.”

According to Brown’s office, the average person between 55 and 54 pays more than $1,200 in annual out-of-pocket costs and is at a greater risk of suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes or arthritis and medical emergencies such as heart attack and stroke.

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