Age-based health insurance pricing has some cutting back on coverage

Thousands of baby boomers are finding themselves having to choose between expensive monthly premiums that rise with age, and cheaper plans with skimpier coverage and high out-of-pocket costs for doctors and prescriptions. Consumer advocates had hoped that regulators overseeing Massachusetts' health insurance overhaul would start to address this issue, by making it easier for self-employed people and retirees who are 50 to 64 to be exempted from a stiff tax penalty if they can't afford insurance. Connector Authority board members recently postponed tackling the issue, however, saying they needed to further study it.