Private Health Insurance: Declining Employer Coverage May Affect Access for 55- to 64-Year-Olds

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the ability of Americans aged 55 to 64 to obtain health benefits through the private market--either employer-based or individually purchased, focusing on the near elderly's: (1) health, employment, income, and health insurance status; (2) ability to obtain employer-based health insurance if they retire before they are eligible for Medicare; and (3) use of costs associated with purchasing coverage through the individual market or employer-based continuation insurance.