INSURANCE

Coverage Criticized: One in three Americans under age 65 have medical problems for which at least some insurance companies charge higher premiums or exclude or deny coverage, said Citizen Action, a consumer advocacy group in Washington. Many of these people have private health insurance and could face premium increases, or have difficulty maintaining coverage if they change jobs or otherwise need to get a new policy. The medical problems for which insurance companies limit or deny coverage afflict an estimated 81 million Americans and include common conditions ranging from asthma to back problems, the group said. The solution will be found in a single-payer, government-operated system that provides universal access, comprehensive care and cost-containment, the group said.