50 to 64 Year Olds Are Especially Vulnerable Because of Pre-Existing Conditions

29. More than 7 million Americans between 50 to 64 years of age did not have health insurance in 2005. (Victoria Colliver, "Insurance Is At A Premium," San Francisco Chronicle, November 21, 2007, p. C1.)

30. People who are 50 to 64 often have pre-existing conditions that make it difficult to obtain insurance, if they are not covered by an employment group plan. (Ibid.)

31. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that a man who is a lean 6 foot-2 and 190 pounds; has no known medical conditions; and whose blood pressure and cholesterol are low, is having trouble getting health insurance, because he used to smoke, even though he gave up smoking 16 years ago. (Ibid.) Do you know a friend or loved one who fits this profile?

32. The San Francisco Chronicle also reported that a woman who is in perfect health, except for taking blood pressure and cholesterol medications, was rejected by three insurers. (Ibid.) Do you know a friend or loved one who fits this profile?

33. Recently a California Appellate Court which limited abrupt health insurance policy cancellations admonished: "Health insurers can't wait until a policy holder is sick or injured to investigate the person's medical history and then abruptly cancel the policy on the grounds that important information [pre-existing condition] was left out of the original applications." Lawyers for the policyholders allege this practice among health insurers is widespread. (Bob Egelko, "Court limits health insurance policy cancellations," San Francisco Chronicle, December 26, 2007, p. B1.)

34. Would you agree that if you (or a loved one) were in the 50 to 64-age bracket, you (or the loved one) could benefit from universal health insurance?