Publications -- Study

NCPA studies generally break new ground on policy issues. A study seeks to cast new light on an issue and to stimulate policy-makers and others to think of new, innovative solutions to the problems associated with the issue. Studies may combine several elements of analysis, including original research, reviews of academic literature, creative approaches for solving public policy problems, and economic modeling.

Mar 29, 2005

ST #274 – Unemployment Insurance in a Free Society

Unemployment insurance was intended to provide a financial safety net for laid-off workers. But the way the system is structured encourages employers to lay off employees and discourages workers from seeking new jobs until their benefits are nearly exhausted.

Feb 04, 2005

ST #273 – Aging, the World Economy and the Coming Generational Storm

The United States is about to experience the greatest demographic change in its history. Most of this change will occur over the next 30 years, as 77 million baby boomers cease to work and pay payroll taxes and instead start to retire and collect benefits.

Dec 17, 2004

ST #272 – Social Security Reform without Illusion: The Five Percent Solution

America’s entitlement programs for senior citizens are on an unsustainable course. Unless changes are made soon, we face the prospect of exorbitant tax rates or severe benefit cuts.

Dec 09, 2004

ST #271 – Private Pension Annuities in Chile

Chile adopted a new pension system featuring privately managed individual accounts in 1981. The system gives us an opportunity, based on more than 20 years of experience, to examine how pensioners and pension providers react when individual accounts replace government-run, defined benefit pension systems, and how various regulations shape these reactions. This paper focuses on the payout stage.

Oct 11, 2004

ST #270 – Shopping for Drugs: 2004

Seniors, the uninsured and others who pay for prescriptions out of pocket are looking for ways to cope with rising drug costs. While many seniors can lower their drug bills by using the new Medicare discount drug cards and the new subsidies for low income retirees, every patient interested in saving money on drug therapy should consider a common-sense solution: smart shopping.

Sep 10, 2004

ST #269 – The Case against John Kerry's Health Plan

Senator John Kerry has proposed a plan to radically reform the U.S. health care system. If he is successful, millions of middle-income families will be enrolled in Medicaid, the federal-state health program for the poor.

Jul 30, 2004

ST #268 – Ten Consequences of Economic Freedom

Economic freedom raises incomes and improves living standards. It requires strong institutions and encourages their further development. Over time, poor developing countries that have adopted policies consistent with economic freedom have pulled ahead of their former peers.

Jun 30, 2004

ST #267 – The Fatherhood Crisis: Time for a New Look?

Fatherless families are a growing problem, but the principal cause is not bad behavior or the fault of fathers; it is government policies with respect to divorce and child support.

Jun 04, 2004

ST #266 – The 2004 Medicare and Social Security Trustees Reports

The 2004 Medicare and Social Security Trustees Reports show that programs for the elderly are on an unsustainable course. The expenditures exceed the revenues to be collected, and the funding gap is projected to grow through time.

Nov 17, 2003

ST #265 – Who Pays Higher Prices for Prescription Drugs?

Who pays the lowest prices for prescription drugs?  Patients who pay for drugs themselves have an incentive to shop for the lowest price, whereas those patients whose drugs are paid for by third parties have less incentive to shop.