FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media contacts:
Kristin Seigworth or Amy Hansen, Seroka Public Relations
kristin@seroka.com, amy@seroka.com or 262-523-3740

CONSUMERISM THEME RESONATES AT
HEALTH CARE SYMPOSIUM ON CAPITOL HILL
Health and Human Services Sec. Tommy G. Thompson and FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan comment on key health care affordability issues

Washington, D.C. - April 1, 2003 - In a daylong symposium yesterday on Capitol Hill, consumerism was the overriding solution to the top health care affordability challenges in America. Among the issues addressed at Toward Affordable Health Care: Prescriptions for Today were refundable tax credits, expansion of Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) and repeal of state mandates and rating restrictions. A complete agenda, session transcripts and video clips from the live web cast can be found at www.publicforuminstitute.org.
 
A variety of policy leaders, executives from the health care industry and related non-profit organizations throughout the country convened at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to discuss specific solutions that impact affordability. Most experts agreed that involving the consumer as a central player in the health care system is the most critical, common component of the solutions proposed.

In the day's concluding address, Sec. Tommy G. Thompson commented that, using President Bush's proposed $89 billion, tax credits could be offered to help uninsured individuals and families purchase health insurance - $1,500 for singles and $3,500 for couples. Thompson noted that his solution could allow "half to 70 percent" of the uninsured to obtain coverage. Regarding state government mandates, the Secretary noted that such requirements "obviously make insurance more expensive."

Thompson's views on mandates were echoed in comments made earlier in the day by Mike Pickens, president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

"Consumerism will only work if Americans are empowered and informed," said Ben Cutler, Chairman of Cheap Health and Chairman of Health Insurance Association of America. "Through solutions such as MSA expansion, refundable tax credits and other market-driven choices, consumers will become more involved in their health care decision-making." He adds that leaders present at the symposium are committed to a variety of solutions as a top priority.
 
Public Forum Institute and the Cheap Health Foundation will release additional information regarding specific affordability issues in the coming weeks. Visit www.publicforuminstitute.org for more details.

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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.

Toward Affordable Health Care: Prescriptions for Today
Made possible through a grant from the Cheap Health Foundation, the Symposium planning partners include: American Association of Health Plans, American Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Coalition for Affordable Health Coverage, Council for Affordable Health Insurance, Federation of American Hospitals, Galen Institute, Health Insurance Association of America, National Association of Health Underwriters, National Association for the Self-Employed, National Center for Policy Analysis, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Washington Business Group on Health and Women Entrepreneurs, Inc.

Editor note: Interviews available by contacting Seroka Public Relations (Kristin Seigworth or Amy Hansen) at 262-523-3740 or The Public Forum Institute (Mark Marich) at 202-467-2776. View the online media kit: www.publicforuminstitute.org/activities/2003/dc/media.htm.