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Secretary Thompson said the trip to HCFA will be the first of week-long visits to each of the department's operating divisions in the coming months to learn what's going on in offices around the country.

"There's a great deal we can learn by seeing firsthand the work that is done at HCFA," Secretary Thompson said. "We are going to get out of Washington to learn how our department operates so we can see what is done well and what needs to be improved to make it more responsive to the millions of Americans we serve."

Secretary Thompson said the selection of HCFA as the first office to visit underscores President Bush's commitment to strengthening and increasing the efficiency of HCFA. The president's budget proposes an increase of $192 million, or 9 percent, to enhance the operation of HCFA and its programs, as well as $36 million to update antiquated information technology systems.

Secretary Thompson will spend the week meeting and working with administrators, employees and beneficiaries of HCFA-run programs. Among the highlights:

• 2 p.m. Monday: HCFA headquarters facility tour, 7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore.
• 4:15 p.m. Monday: Web site demonstration in media center.
• 10 a.m. Tuesday: Visit to Hopkins Elder Plus at Johns Hopkins Bayview medical campus, 4940 Eastern Ave., Baltimore.
• 3 p.m. Friday: Listening session with beneficiaries and employees, at HCFA headquarters.
• 4 p.m. Friday: Reception with visiting seniors.

HCFA is the nation's largest health insurer, providing insurance coverage for more than 74 million Americans through Medicare and, in partnership with states, Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. In addition, HCFA oversees nursing homes, hospitals and other health care entities.

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