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For Immediate Release:  January 21, 1999
Contact: Rusty Jabour,

National Medicare Commission Scheduled to Meet January 26 in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON (January 21) – Members of the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare are scheduled to meet January 26 in Washington, D.C., to continue examining ways to strengthen and improve the Medicare program, Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) and Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) said today.

The Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m. to noon. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Cannon Caucus Room, 345 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

Chairman Breaux said he is planning to present a draft Medicare reform proposal at the meeting for the 17 members to consider.

He said the proposal will include a "premium support" model, patterned after the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) that provides health insurance for nine million federal employees, retirees and dependents nationwide.

Proponents of FEHBP have noted its ability to provide good benefits, manage costs and promote competition among participating health plans.

Over the past several weeks, the Commissioners have been studying reform variables and their cost estimates. The Commission is scheduled to report its recommendations to the Congress and the Administration by March 1.

The Chairmen said Medicare should remain 1) responsive to the needs of beneficiaries, 2) cost-effective for beneficiaries and taxpayers, 3) available for younger workers who need a financially solvent program when they retire, and 4) fair to providers.

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