Media Advisory
For Immediate Release June 21, 2001

Experts Available On Patients' Bill Of Rights & Related Issues

NCPA Health Experts Can Discuss Patients' Rights, Public Interest, Uninsured, MSA Expansion, etc.

June 21, 2001 -- The Senate is scheduled to begin debate today on competing versions of managed care reform, commonly referred to as the "Patients' Bill of Rights," in what will be the first major policy showdown of the newly configured Senate.

While the debate will focus on the measure sponsored by Sens. McCain, Kennedy and Edwards, a wide array of health issues will likely be debated and voted upon throughout the amendment process. The NCPA's team of health policy experts will be available throughout this process to provide non-partisan insight and analysis as the issues arise. Among the key issues NCPA experts can discuss are:

  • Is public opinion really in favor of the Patients' Bill of Rights, as proponents insist?

  • What would be the effect of turning what is essentially a contract dispute into tort law?

  • Would increased liability lead to higher premiums and a rise in the uninsured population?

  • Should Congress focus on ways to make private insurance more affordable, such as creating tax credits for its purchase?

  • By empowering patients with the ability to make treatment decisions, would Medical Savings Accounts solve many of the problems the Patients' Bill of Rights attempts to address?

WHO: NATIONAL CENTER FOR POLICY ANALYSIS

Greg Scandlen. Senior Fellow in Health Policy, Mr. Scandlen is known as the nation's foremost expert on the movement towards a defined contribution approach for health plans and is an expert on MSA expansion.

John C. Goodman, Ph.D. President and founder of the NCPA, Dr. Goodman is known as the "father of Medical Savings Accounts," and is a leading voice for using tax credits to help the uninsured purchase private health insurance.

Robert Goldberg, Ph.D. Senior Fellow in Health Policy, Dr. Goldberg specializes in prescription drugs and pharmaceutical policy issues.

Jack Strayer. Vice President of External Affairs for the NCPA, Mr. Strayer is a recognized expert in state and federal health insurance reform.

WHAT: ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT ON HEALTH POLICY ISSUES

WHEN: AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY

See Key Questions About A Patients' Bill Of Rights

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The NCPA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public policy organization. We depend entirely on the financial support of individuals, corporations and foundations that believe in private sector solutions to public policy problems.

The NCPA is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with an office in Washington, D.C.

For more information:
Richard Walker, Dallas, TX 972-386-6272
Sean Tuffnell, Dallas, TX 972-386-6272
Joan Kirby, Washington, DC 202-220-3082
 Internet: http://www.ncpa.org

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