FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:	Mark Marich
	202.467.2776 (direct)
	Public Forum Institute

WASHINGTON - January 29, 2003 - On the heels of President Bush's remarks about health care in last night's State of the Union Address, the Public Forum Institute today announced a response to his call for solutions. The Forum is planning a day-long symposium, bringing together a diverse array of the major leaders in America's health care debate on March 31, 2003, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

Toward Affordable Health Care: Prescriptions for Today will explore the best paths to health care affordability, outlining specific ideas about what can be done today. Moderated by Fred Barnes, executive editor of The Weekly Standard and co-host of Fox News' The Beltway Boys, the symposium brings together business and policy leaders to address multiple challenges and solutions. The event is open to the public. Featured sessions include:

• Empowering Patients in the Medical Marketplace
• Lawsuit Abuse and the Cost to the Health Care Consumer
• Avoiding Costly Government Mandates
• Taking Advantage of New Technology
• Expanding Access and Enhancing Affordability: How Tax Laws Can Help

Toward Affordable Health Care: Prescriptions for Today is made possible by a grant from the Cheap Health Foundation. Symposium planning partners include American Association of Health Plans, BlueCross BlueShield Association, Council for Affordable Health Insurance, Federation of American Hospitals, Health Insurance Association of America, Galen Institute, National Association of Health Underwriters, National Center for Policy Analysis, National Federation of Independent Businesses and Washington Business Group on Health. For more information, visit www.publicforuminstitute.org or to register, contact Amy Eckenroth at 202-467-2760.

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About the Public Forum Institute
The Public Forum Institute is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating the most advanced and effective means of fostering public discourse. Based in Washington, D.C., the Forum develops and coordinates public forums across the country - engaging citizens, experts, community leaders, elected officials and others in substantive discussions on dozens of policy issues. Through a partnership with foundations, print and broadcast media, policy makers, opinion leaders and corporate philanthropy, the Public Forum Institute serves local communities across the nation, contributing to a more informed public. The Forum takes no position on the issues.