Michael Schoenbaum

An examination of options for strengthening the housing and transportation infrastructure of a potential future independent Palestinian state in the context of a large and rapidly growing Palestinian population. The book includes initial cost estimates for improving and expanding infrastructure to facilitate successful development.

An examination of strategies for strengthening the Palestinian health system; many of the strategies described can begin prior to independence. This study examines strategies for strengthening the health system of a potential independent Palestinian state. Successful development of the Palestinian health system is worthwhile in its own right, and it may be a relatively cost-effective way to help demonstrate the tangible benefits of independence and peaceful relations with neighboring countries. Moreover, implementation of many of the strategies described can begin prior to independence.

One-liner: An evaluation of the TRICARE Senior Supplement Demonstration and its suitability as a permanent national health care program, and the implications of the demonstration for the new TRICARE for Life benefit The TRICARE Senior Supplement Demonstration (TSSD), conducted from March 2000 through December 2002, offers Medicare-eligible military beneficiaries the option of enrolling in TRICARE as a supplement to Medicare. This book describes RAND's evaluation of the TSSD program. Enrollment in TSSD was very low because of several factors, particularly the introduction of the permanent TRICARE for Life (TFL) that supercedes TSSD. However, implementation of TSSD as a permanent national program is feasible and would benefit many Medicare-eligible military retirees.

Examines Tricare for Life's potential benefits and costs for the Department of Defense, Medicare, beneficiaries, and taxpayers and summarizes issues and policy options for improving TFL in the future. 450-character abstract: Medicare-eligible military retirees enrolled in Medicare Part B are entitled to both Medicare and Tricare health care benefits--coverage referred to as Tricare for Life (TFL). This report examines the TFL benefit design and TFL's potential benefits and costs for the Department of Defense (DoD), Medicare, beneficiaries, and taxpayers. The authors summarize issues and policy options that were discussed in several briefings presented to the DoD for its consideration for improving TFL in the future.