Publications -- Study

NCPA studies generally break new ground on policy issues. A study seeks to cast new light on an issue and to stimulate policy-makers and others to think of new, innovative solutions to the problems associated with the issue. Studies may combine several elements of analysis, including original research, reviews of academic literature, creative approaches for solving public policy problems, and economic modeling.

Sep 03, 2008

ST #314 – To Roth or Not?

In 2006, the Roth 401(k) plan was introduced as an alternative to regular 401(k)s. Whereas contributions to regular 401(k)s are made with pretax dollars, Roth 401(k) contributions are made with after-tax dollars. When retirees withdraw their funds from regular 401(k)s, the contributions and accumulated earnings are taxable. But since taxes have already been paid on Roth contributions, all of the funds in the Roth account can be withdrawn tax-free. Which type of 401(k) is better?

Jul 24, 2008

ST #313 – Medicare Spending Across the Map

Though talk of fundamentally reforming Medicare has been limited lately, the baby boomers' imminent retirement and the continued rise in health care costs will force Medicare back to the forefront of upcoming policy discussions.

Jun 10, 2008

ST #312 – Economic Inequality: Facts, Theory and Significance

The well-documented rise in economic inequality in the United States over the last two decades is somewhat misleading. Almost all Americans, whether considered "rich" or "poor," are better off economically today than in previous times. Furthermore, due to the high degree of income mobility in the United States, most people move between income groups throughout their life.

Apr 21, 2008

ST #311 – State Health Care Reform: Key Questions and Answers

One of the biggest problems in health care reform is that parties with different viewpoints do not agree on basic facts.  Some view the private sector as the source of U.S. health care woes and an expansion of government control as the solution.  Others believe that ill-considered government interference is the main source of the problem.

Apr 15, 2008

ST #310 – Does it Pay to Work More?

Does it pay to work more hours in order to earn more income?  The answer depends on what one earns after taxes.  Virtually all American households are confronted with high to very high marginal tax rates when they increase the number of hours they work in the current year or in future years.

Mar 31, 2008

ST #309 – Economic Freedom and the Trade-off between Inequality and Growth

One of government's biggest challenges is to develop policies that raise the standard of living in a society without creating large income gaps between the rich and poor. But to a great extent, raising living standards and redistributing income are mutually exclusive goals.

Feb 01, 2008

ST #308 – Global Warming: Experts’ Opinions versus Scientific Forecasts

In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its Fourth Assessment Report. The report included predictions of big increases in average world temperatures by 2100, resulting in an increasingly rapid loss of the world's glaciers and ice caps, a dramatic global sea level rise that would threaten low-lying coastal areas, the spread of tropical diseases, and severe drought and floods.

Jan 10, 2008

ST #307 – The Bush Capital Gains Tax Cut after Four Years: More Growth, More Investment, More Revenues

In May 2003, President George W. Bush signed into law his investment tax cut. This package included accelerated reductions in income tax rates, a cut in the dividend tax from 39.6 percent to 15 percent and a reduction in the capital gains tax from 20 percent to 15 percent.

Dec 01, 2007

ST #306 – A Medicare Reform Proposal Everyone Can Love: Finding Common Ground among Medicare Reformers

Medicare reform will soon be front and center in the public policy arena.  The reason:  Projections in the past two years for Medicare's deteriorating finances have triggered a legal requirement for the President to propose reform legislation within 15 days of the release of the next federal budget.  Congress must consider the president's proposal on an expedited basis.

Nov 28, 2007

ST #305 – Convenient Care and Telemedicine

Telemedicine - the use of information technology for diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients' conditions - brings a new dimension to 21st century health care. Entrepreneurs are using the Internet, improvements in computer software and the advent of high-speed telecommunications networks in innovative ways to make medical care more accessible and convenient to patients, to raise quality and to reduce costs.