I hit the trifecta this week by meeting three women who will turn 65 in July.  All three of them told me they have not had health insurance for many years. They are thrilled to be turning 65 so they can get on Medicare.

Linda told me that she and her husband have spent most of their retirement savings on her health issues over the last ten years.  Karen said she has had pain in her left leg for quite a while and worries what  a doctor might find when she gets her Medicare and goes for a physical exam. Gayle looks like she’s 55, not 65.  She has no health problems and takes no medications.

As an insurance broker I have met too many women in their 50′s and 60′s who cannot get health insurance – and it’s just not right.

I have also met men who have continued to work well into their 70′s  so they could keep their employer health insurance for their younger wife – who was uninsurable because of some health problem.

Earlier this year I met with a man who was 68 years old and finally leaving work and signing up for Medicare.  His wife was sitting at the kitchen table with us and she was trembling. I couldn’t help but ask her what her medical problem was.  She told me she has Parkinsons and she no longer had health insurance.  She is 62 years old.

About two years ago I met a  woman who was 64  and had lost her group coverage because her artists’ co-op had disbanded.  She wanted to buy health insurance, but was refused because her cholesterol was too  high.  When I talked to her last fall I said, “You’re gonna make it to 65 in one piece!  Now let’s get you signed up for your Medicare coverage!”  Turning 65 was a blessing for her.

Yesterday I met Karen, the woman who has had pain in her leg for a while. After we discussed her Medicare options,  she turned to her disabled daughter and shouted gleefully, “Mommy’s getting health insurance! Mommy’s getting health insurance!”

I’ve had a busy week and, amazingly, every woman I met was overjoyed to be turning 65 – and getting Medicare.