Focus Point – Health Reform
I hope you'll pardon a bit of crowing today. The best health care bill in congress this session — and a bipartisan one at that — looks really smart…and it should, because it's pretty much ours.
Rx for Medicare
From members of Congress to candidates for president to activist groups buying advertising time on television, everyone is telling us that seniors need insurance coverage for prescription drugs.
"Should Everyone Have A Medical Savings Account?"
The National Center for Policy Analysis announced today that a new episode of the nationally syndicated program DebatesDebates, a series of programs, which are sponsored by the NCPA, will be made available to stations starting Wednesday, Feb. 9.
Focus Point – Cigarette Subsidies
I got a pained smile out of the recent story that the United States Government, having declared war on tobacco with one hand, is effectively promoting it with the other — by handing out subsidies to American Indian tribes so they can build smoke shops. The shops sell discounted cigarettes, making it easier, not harder, for people to smoke. It's as if, at the height of prohibition, the feds loaned trucks to rum runners and gave interest-free construction loans to speakeasies.
A Better Prescription for Medicare
To listen to some politicians speak one might get the impression that the only way seniors can get prescription drug coverage is for Washington to add a large new benefit onto Medicare. This is simply not so.
Government-free Rx
To listen to some politicians speak, one might get the impression that the only way seniors can get prescription drug coverage is for Washington to add a large new benefit to Medicare. This is simply not so.
NCPA's Online Calculator Shows What You're Going to Pay & What You're Going To Get From Social Security
A new online calculator will allow workers to determine their personal stake in Social Security.
Focus Point – State of the Union
A couple of thoughts on Bill Clinton's final State of the Union Speech.
National Center For Policy Analysis Study: Government, Not Companies, Blocks Seniors' Access To Prescription Drugs
America's seniors could have access to full prescription drug coverage without the government spending an additional dime on a costly new benefit.
On Reforming Medicare
This Backgrounder discusses the proposal for Medicare reform that was developed by a bipartisan and bicameral group of members on the Medicare Commission.
Defined Contributions as an Option in Medicare
We have analyzed a distinct new health care delivery and financing system for the Medicare aged population (excluding institutional and Medicaid individuals). The new alternative, referred to as the Medicare Defined Contribution Alternative (MDCA), allows an individual the choice between Medicare as it currently exists and a defined contribution from Medicare that must be used to purchase a plan that includes at least catastrophic insurance.
Focus Point – Regulations Down the Toilet
I was cheered to read that the fight to roll back regulations could be headed for a victory of sorts. Ok, it's over toilets, but you gotta start somewhere.
Focus Point – Political Ads on TV
I'm Pete du Pont with the National Center for Policy Analysis, and today I have a modest proposal for political ads on television.
Earth to Democratic Presidential Wannabes: Constitutionally, Guns Don't Equate to Cars
Former Sen. Bill Bradley has called for registering all handguns and licensing gun owners just like we do cars and drivers.
NCPA's Bartlett Available on Marriage Penalty Relief Proposal
Bruce Bartlett, senior fellow with the National Center for Policy Analysis, is available to comment on a marriage penalty tax relief proposal that is expected to be unveiled today by House Ways & Means Chairman Rep. Bill Archer.
Focus Point – Teachers in a Market-Based System
Normally, I'm a tub thumper when it comes to privatizing education: tuition tax credits, vouchers, charters, whatever works. Today, I'll just report the facts, and you decide where you stand.
Time for Patient Power
We can be sure of one thing, no matter who wins the presidency, no matter which party or parties control the House and the Senate: health care will be rationed. For that matter, it's being rationed now.