Media Advisory             

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paul Precht
Director for Policy and Communications
202-544-5561

Akiko Takano
Communications Associate
212-204-6214

March 7, 2008

Paul Precht Named Medicare Rights Center Director for Policy and Communications

New York, NY -- The Medicare Rights Center has named longtime journalist Paul Precht as its new Director for Policy and Communications.

Since 2005 Mr. Precht has led the Medicare Rights Center's Washington office, bringing to the national Medicare debate the issues people with Medicare face, focusing especially on the Part D prescription drug benefit and the marketing practices of private Medicare health plans. Previously, Mr. Precht was the Editor of Inside CMS, an independent newsletter covering Medicare and Medicaid policy.

"Paul Precht has an impressive grasp of Medicare policy and a dedication to the needs of people with Medicare," said Robert M. Hayes, President of the Medicare Rights Center. "His appointment will strengthen the voice for consumers in Washington, D.C."

Mr. Precht will serve as the Medicare Rights Center's primary liaison for journalists, taking over the duties of Deane Beebe. Ms. Beebe is leaving the Medicare Rights Center to become Communications Manager at the Visiting Nurse Services of New York's Center for Home Care Policy and Research.

Journalists can reach Paul Precht at pprecht@medicarerights.org or at 202-544-5561.

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