Clinton’s Medicare proposal sparks statewide debate

Art Nadler

Thursday, Jan. 8, 1998 | 10:36 a.m.

A proposal by President Clinton to offer Medicare coverage to people beginning at age 55 could have a dramatic effect on Southern Nevada's booming elderly population.

"From a needs standpoint, I believe this is a population that needs insurance," Carla Sloan, administrator of the Nevada Division for Aging Services, said Wednesday. "I support the need, but the financing part I'm not sure of."

According to a 1992 Health Insurance Coverage for Nevada survey conducted by UNLV, there were 10,942 uninsured employed people living in Southern Nevada. In the northern part of the state, 4,920 didn't have coverage and in rural Nevada, 2,790 had no health insurance.

The Center for Business and Economic Research at UNLV recently reported that from July 1996 to July 1997, the population increased 6.83 percent. A good part of this surge can be attributed to seniors, some of whom don't have health insurance.

Clinton's proposal would allow people 62-64 to purchase health insurance through Medicare for around $300 a month. When they reach age 65, there would be a slight increase in their premiums.

Americans, beginning at age 55, who lost their jobs through corporate downsizing or from being laid off, could also purchase insurance for about $400 a month.

While Democrats love the president's plan, claiming it pays for itself, Republicans are skeptical and feel it will eventually cost taxpayers money.

"This is not a gift," said Harry Reid, D-Nev. "We are paying for people now who don't have health insurance. They go to emergency rooms (as indigent care). The most expensive care is the ER, and that's their doctor's office."

Rep. John Ensign, R-Nev., however, believes Congress and the president should instead look for ways to lower health-care costs. He thinks Americans should have the option to shop around for health insurance.

"Nobody (doctors) discounts for an insurance company, but they would on an individual basis," Ensign said.

If there's a set rate of $300 and $400 being paid, Ensign said doctors will charge that rate and costs will never go down.

"Bring health insurance down so more people can afford it," Ensign said. "Medical savings accounts may be a way to do this."

Under MSAs, taxpayers put money for medical emergencies into special savings accounts. Money could then be withdrawn for various illnesses.

Of the 22 million Americans nationwide between the ages of 55 and 64, it's estimated that 3 million don't have health insurance. President Clinton believes about 300,000 individuals would take advantage of this Medicare coverage.

"This is an entirely new way of adapting a program that has worked in the past to the needs of the future," Clinton said earlier this week. "For many Americans, access to quality health care can mean the difference between a secure, healthy and productive life and the enormous burden of illness and worry and enormous financial strain."