October, 06 2009, 12:28pm EDT

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Alan Barber (202) 293-5380 x115
New Report: Stemming the Rising Costs of Health Care Through Globalization
Study Projects Substantial Savings From Allowing Medicare Beneficiaries to Buy into Health Care Systems of Other Countries
WASHINGTON
As the national debate continues over health care and the long- term
budget picture, a report just released by the Center for Economic and
Policy Research (CEPR) suggests a substantial savings to both the
government and individuals through the globalization of Medicare and
Medicaid.
"In the United
States, per person health care costs averaged $6,714 in 2006, compared
with an average of $2,964 in the 26 nations with longer life
expectancies," said Dean Baker, Co-Director of CEPR and an author of the report. "A gap this large suggests significant benefits and gains from trade."
The report, "Free Trade in Health Care: the Gains from Globalized Medicare and Medicaid,"
outlines the potential gains to both the U.S. Government and Medicare
and Medicaid beneficiaries that would result if these beneficiaries
were allowed to buy into the health care systems of the 26 countries
with longer life spans than the United States. This voluntary program
would give beneficiaries vouchers to move to another country to take
advantage of lower health care costs. These beneficiaries, retired for
the most part, are not bound by work to one particular area. Since many
beneficiaries have family, business, or other ties to some of these
countries, a voucher option may be quite attractive.
"While the U.S. would have to negotiate arrangements with each
participating country, the process would be simpler than far-reaching
trade agreements like NAFTA, and the potential economic gains would be
much larger," Baker continued.
The projections in the study show:
- If
10% of eligible Medicare beneficiaries take advantage of this program,
the government would save $8.6 billion a year by 2020, $19.5 billion by
2030, and $288.9 billion by 2085 (all numbers are in 2008 dollars). - If
10% of those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid opted to take part
in the program, the savings to U.S. Government (Federal and State)
would be $18.1 billion in 2020, $99 billion in 2045, and $505.3 billion
in 2085. - At the state
level alone, the savings in 2020 at a 10% take-up rate would be $2.9
billion in 2020, $8.8 billion in 2045, and $27 billion in 2085.
For
individuals, the savings would vary from country to country, but would
be substantial in most cases. In Spain, beneficiaries would pocket
$10,900 in 2020, equal to 61 percent of the Social Security benefit for
a medium earner retiring at age 65 in 2020. In Canada, they would get
$5,600 a year from taking part in the program, equal to 31.3 percent of
a medium earner's benefit. By 2045, these sums are projected to
increase to $26,700 and $22,600 a year, respectively. These gains are,
respectively, 22.6 percent and 3.8 percent above projected Social
Security benefits for a medium earner retiring in 2045. In 2085 the
gains from moving to these two countries would be $74,700 and $77,500,
respectively, both more than double the projected Social Security
benefits for medium earners retiring in 2085.
The projections from the study clearly show the significant savings to
the U.S. Government and potential for increased retirement income for
beneficiaries who sign up for a Medicare or Medicaid voucher. The full
analysis and further details can be found here.
The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) was established in 1999 to promote democratic debate on the most important economic and social issues that affect people's lives. In order for citizens to effectively exercise their voices in a democracy, they should be informed about the problems and choices that they face. CEPR is committed to presenting issues in an accurate and understandable manner, so that the public is better prepared to choose among the various policy options.
(202) 293-5380LATEST NEWS
Exonerated Central Park 5 Member Reacts to Trump Indictment With One-Word Statement
"For those asking about my statement on the indictment of Donald Trump—who never said sorry for calling for my execution—here it is," said Yusef Salaam.
Mar 30, 2023
Yusef Salaam, one of the five New York teens wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for the 1989 rape of a jogger in Central Park, issued a brief statement following Thursday's criminal indictment of former U.S. President Donald Trump—who called for bringing back the state's death penalty to execute the defendants and never apologized after they were cleared.
Salaam tweeted: "For those asking about my statement on the indictment of Donald Trump—who never said sorry for calling for my execution—here it is: Karma."
\u201c#PowerPost\u270a\ud83c\udffb\u270a\ud83c\udffc\u270a\ud83c\udffd\u270a\ud83c\udffe\u270a\ud83c\udfff\u2122\ufe0f\n\nFor those asking about my statement on the indictment of Donald Trump - who never said sorry for calling for my execution - here it is:\n\nKarma\u201d— Yusef Abdus Salaam (@Yusef Abdus Salaam) 1680212837
Trump spent $85,000—over $200,000 today—on a full-page ad that ran in all four of New York's major newspapers calling for the restoration of capital punishment so that the Central Park Five could be executed.
\u201cOne of the exonerated five aka Central Park five reacting to Trump indictment. \n\nTrump took out this ad in four NY newspapers in 1989 and never apologized for it.\u201d— Yashar Ali \ud83d\udc18 \u06cc\u0627\u0634\u0627\u0631 (@Yashar Ali \ud83d\udc18 \u06cc\u0627\u0634\u0627\u0631) 1680214390
The ad read, in part:
Mayor [Ed] Koch has stated that hate and rancor should be removed from our hearts. I do not think so. I want to hate these muggers and murderers. They should be forced to suffer... Yes, Mayor Koch, I want to hate these murderers and I always will... How can our great society tolerate the continued brutalization of its citizens by crazed misfits?
The five Black and Latino teens—Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Raymond Santana, Korey Wise, and Salaam—were beaten and coerced by New York City police into falsely confessing to the rape. They spent years behind bars for the horrific crime that they did not commit.
Salaam, who was 15 years old when his life was upended, was imprisoned for six years and eight months before his exoneration.
In a 2019 interview with the BBC, Salaam—who is now a motivational speaker—said that "I look at Donald Trump, and I understand him as a representation of a symptom of America."
"We were convicted because of the color of our skin. People thought the worst of us," he added. "And this is all because of prominent New Yorkers—especially Donald Trump."
In a statement, National Action Network founder and president Rev. Al Sharpton said that "it's not lost on those of us who were there in 1989 that Donald Trump will likely walk into the same courthouse where the Exonerated 5 were falsely convicted for a crime they did not commit."
\u201cREV. AL SHARPTON RESPONDS TO REPORTS OF PENDING TRUMP INDICTMENT\u201d— NationalActionNet (@NationalActionNet) 1680216860
"Let's not forget that it was Donald Trump who took out full-page ads calling for these five Black and Brown young men to get the death penalty," Sharpton continued. "This is the same man who's now calling for violence when he has to go through the same system. The same man will have to stand up in a courtroom and see firsthand what the criminal justice system is like."
"All I can say is, what goes around comes around," he added.
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'A Huge Deal for Accountability': New York Grand Jury Votes to Indict Donald Trump
The historic charges against the 2024 candidate "are the first ever brought against him, but they will not be the last," said one Trump critic, noting that "we know of literally dozens of credible allegations of crimes."
Mar 30, 2023
This is a developing story… Please check back for possible updates...
A Manhattan grand jury voted to indict former U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in a hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels, The New York Timesreported Thursday, citing five people with knowledge of the matter.
The grand jury's move makes Trump the first ex-president to face criminal charges—and comes as the 76-year-old is seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. An indictment or even conviction in the case would not prevent him from running.
After other outlets also confirmed the historic vote, a spokesperson for District Attorney Alvin Bragg said that "this evening we contacted Mr. Trump's attorney to coordinate his surrender to the Manhattan DA's office for his arraignment on a [New York] Supreme Court indictment, which remains under seal. Guidance will be provided when the arraignment date is selected."
Citing two unnamed sources familiar with the case, CNNreported that Trump faces over 30 counts related to business fraud.
"Donald Trump has spent his entire political career dodging accountability for his wanton disregard for the law. It is finally catching up to him."
In a phone call with ABC News producer John Santucci, Trump said this is an "attack on our country" and "political persecution," adding that "they are trying to impact an election." The twice-impeached former president made similar remarks in a lengthy statement.
Asked by Santucci asked if he will turn himself in, Trump responded, "You take care, John," and hung up. Trump attorney Joe Tacopina toldNBC News that his client is expected to surrender to the DA's office early next week.
Trump supporters expressed outrage over the development—as did Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to also run for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination but said Thursday that his state "will not assist in an extradition request."
Despite warnings that this case "is the first to result in an indictment, though arguably the toughest to win," as Mark Joseph Stern wrote for Slate, critics of Trump still welcomed the news as a long-awaited step toward accountability.
\u201cDonald Trump was the most corrupt president in American history. He was the first president to be impeached twice, and now he\u2019s the first former president to be criminally indicted.\n\nTrump's corruption is finally catching up to him.\u201d— Citizens for Ethics (@Citizens for Ethics) 1680214108
"We know of literally dozens of credible allegations of crimes committed by Donald Trump as president or running for it, with no charges filed. Until now," tweeted Noah Bookbinder, president of the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). "We can't yet evaluate these charges, but make no mistake, this is a huge deal for accountability."
"Donald Trump has spent his entire political career dodging accountability for his wanton disregard for the law. It is finally catching up to him," Bookbinder added. "The charges in New York are the first ever brought against him, but they will not be the last."
Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) similarly said "this is just one of many criminal acts for which Donald Trump is being investigated. Make no mistake: the fact that one of the most powerful people in the world was investigated impartially and indicted is testament to the fact that we still live in a nation of laws. And no one is above the law."
Daniels has alleged that she had an extramarital sexual affair with Trump, which he denies. Daniels' attorney, Clark Brewster, said that "the indictment of Donald Trump is no cause for joy. The hard work and conscientiousness of the grand jurors must be respected. Now let truth and justice prevail. No one is above the law."
Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen, who made a $130,000 payment to Daniels, said Thursday that "accountability matters and I stand by my testimony and the evidence I have provided" to the district attorney.
Aaron Scherb, senior director of legislative affairs at Common Cause, pointed to Cohen's prison time on Thursday.
"No American is above the law, including former presidents, and Donald Trump will get his day in court," said Scherb. "Donald Trump and his co-conspirators clearly appeared to have broken the law and his attorney at the time has already served time in federal prison for charges related to the $130,000 hush money payout. The Manhattan district attorney's office is right to hold the former president to the same standard as every other American."
\u201cHere\u2019s my new piece for \u2066@MSNBCDaily\u2069 on the importance of Donald Trump being indicted. Hope you\u2019ll have a look. https://t.co/QzNpk2iM2Q\u201d— Glenn Kirschner (@Glenn Kirschner) 1680212959
John Bonifaz, president of Free Speech for People, said that "Donald Trump must face the rule of law for all of the crimes he has committed, and this indictment by the Manhattan grand jury is an important first step."
Free Speech for People has argued that Trump and congressional Republicans who provoked and supported the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol should be ineligible to serve, citing the section of the 14th Amendment that bars from federal office anyone who has taken an oath to support the Constitution then "engaged in insurrection or rebellion."
Urging secretaries of state and chief election officials across the country to "do their job," Bonifaz said that "the insurrectionist disqualification clause of the 14th Amendment makes clear that Trump is disqualified from holding any future public office based on his role in inciting and mobilizing the January 6th insurrection."
"No prior indictment or conviction is required in order to enforce Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment against Trump," he added. "To protect our republic, we must uphold this critical constitutional provision at this moment in history."
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'Enough Is Enough': Democrats Propose Plan to Combat GOP's Anti-Trans Onslaught
"Lives are at stake. The health, safety, and freedom of trans people are at stake," said Sen. Ed Markey. "Congress must take a stand in the face of dangerous, transphobic attacks waged by far-right state legislatures."
Mar 30, 2023
Amid a growing wave of Republican attacks on transgender rights—including a recently passed U.S. House bill targeting trans youth—a pair of progressive congressional lawmakers on Thursday prepared to reintroduce a resolution codifying protections for transgender Americans.
The revived Transgender Bill of Rights—introduced by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and co-sponsored by dozens of congressional Democrats—comes a day ahead of International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31. According to Jayapal's office, the measure "provides a comprehensive policy framework to provide protections for transgender and nonbinary people, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their gender identity or expression."
Jayapal, who co-chairs the Transgender Equality Task Force and whose daughter is trans, said in a statement: "Day after day, we see a constant onslaught of anti-trans rhetoric and legislation coming from elected officials. Today we say enough is enough."
"Day after day, we see a constant onslaught of anti-trans rhetoric and legislation coming from elected officials."
Markey asserted that "on this and every International Transgender Day of Visibility, we are reminded of our moral obligation to defend the fundamental rights of trans people against the violence, discrimination, and bigotry that too often mark their lived experience in our country."
"Lives are at stake. The health, safety, and freedom of trans people are at stake," he added. "Congress must take a stand in the face of dangerous, transphobic attacks waged by far-right state legislatures and once again reaffirm our nation's bedrock commitment to equality and justice for all."
\u201cToday, @SenMarkey and I are introducing the Trans Bill of Rights. With this resolution, we say clearly to the trans community: we see you, we stand with you, & we will fight for your protection so you may lead full, happy lives as your authentic selves.\nhttps://t.co/2qmOOPhVee\u201d— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@Rep. Pramila Jayapal) 1680185646
According to Jayapal's office, "in 2023 alone, there have been more than 450 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in both state and federal legislature, jeopardizing the safety and mental health of LGBTQ+ youth and trans youth in particular."
"Trans Americans are also four times more likely than cisgender peers to be victims of violent crime and more than 40% have attempted suicide," the congresswoman's office added.
State laws targeting transgender people include—but are not limited to—bans on lifesaving gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth and on trans students from participating on sports teams or using the bathrooms that match their gender identity; and prohibition of public drag shows.
\u201cOver 477 (\u203c\ufe0f) anti-LGBTQ+ bills are moving in 37 states right now.\n\n16 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been signed in 2023, and 7 of those ban life-saving medical care for trans youth. \n\nRead this thread, share widely and help us fight back against this onslaught of legislation.\u201d— Human Rights Campaign (@Human Rights Campaign) 1680020481
Common Dreamsreported Thursday that West Virginia and Kentucky are the latest states to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors.
Meanwhile, the Kansas House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a bill which would bar transgender individuals from entering single-sex spaces including bathrooms, domestic violence shelters, and prison wards, while labeling intersex people as disabled.
No state is safe from at least the introduction of transphobic legislation, including California, where a Republican state lawmaker earlier this month proposed a bill that would force schools "out" transgender students to their parents under the pretext of boosting parental rights and helping children.
Not content with banning gender-affirming healthcare in their own state, a bill passed earlier this month by Idaho's Republican-controlled House of Representatives included a provision that criminalizes parents or guardians who allow their children to travel outside the state to receive such care.
At the federal level, anti-trans legislation includes the Parents Bill of Rights, passed last week by the Republican-controlled House in a 213-208 vote along party lines.
\u201cHere are the gender provisions in the bill\n.\nIt will now go to the Dem-controlled Senate, where there does not have much support. Joe Biden has already expressed his opposition to the bill. While it is unlikely to become law, it is a significant moment in trans legislation.\u201d— Erin Reed (@Erin Reed) 1679681092
Among other things, the Transgender Bill of Rights calls on the federal government to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to explicitly include gender identity and to codify the U.S. Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County ruling, which affirmed that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination.
President Joe Biden on Thursday issued a proclamation ahead of International Transgender Day of Visibility asserting that trans Americans "shape our nation's soul."
Biden continued:
As kids, they deserve what every child deserves: the chance to learn in safe and supportive schools, to develop meaningful friendships, and to live openly and honestly. As adults, they deserve the same rights enjoyed by every American, including equal access to healthcare, housing, and jobs and the chance to age with grace as senior citizens. But today, too many transgender Americans are still denied those rights and freedoms. A wave of discriminatory state laws is targeting transgender youth, terrifying families and hurting kids who are not hurting anyone. An epidemic of violence against transgender women and girls, in particular women and girls of color, has taken lives far too soon. Last year's Club Q shooting in Colorado was another painful example of this kind of violence—a stain on the conscience of our nation.
The president highlighted how his administration "fought to end these injustices from day one":
On my first day as president, I issued an executive order directing the federal government to root out discrimination against LGBTQI+ people and their families. We have appointed a record number of openly LGBTQI+ leaders, and I was proud to rescind the ban on openly transgender people serving in the military. We are also working to make public spaces and travel more accessible, including with more inclusive gender markers on United States passports. We are improving access to public services and entitlements like Social Security. We are cracking down on discrimination in housing and education. And last December, I signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law, ensuring that every American can marry the person they love and have that marriage accepted, period.
"There is much more to do," Biden added. "I continue to call on Congress to finally pass the Equality Act and extend long-overdue civil rights protections to all LGBTQI+ Americans to ensure they can live with safety and dignity."
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