IPI Scholar Commentary on President's and Democrat's Medicare Reform Proposals

3/10/2003

From: Misty Woodruff of the Institute for Policy Innovation, 888-557-4474 or misty@ipi.org

News Advisory:

President Bush is expected to reveal more details about his prescription drug proposal Monday. Democrats will discuss their plan soon after.

"President Bush's plan for seniors who remain in traditional Medicare maintains freedom of choice, is targeted to those who need it most, and is much more affordable in tight economic times. The Democrats' plan, by contrast, creates a new expensive entitlement that will destroy employer-provided and private sector prescription drug coverage," said Dr. Merrill Matthews.

Dr. Matthews, a visiting scholar at the Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI), has published extensive research on prescription drug policy and health care reform. Recently released works are available for download from http://www.ipi.org and include "Why Differential Pricing Helps the Poor," "Prescription Drug Prices and Profits" and "Prescription Drug Payola."

Who: Dr. Merrill Matthews, Jr., IPI Visiting Scholar

What: Prescription Drugs and Medicare Reform Commentary

When: Available immediately for TV, radio and print

Contact: Misty Woodruff, 888-557-4474 or misty@ipi.org