All three networks are under new ownership and face strict cost-control measures, underscoring the pressure to renew revenue-generating daytime programming.

Kaiser's drug budget, even with intensive cost-control measures, has doubled since 1985, and Massachusetts General's pharmacy costs are rising an average of 9 percent a year.

In its decision today, giving qualified approval to Maine Rx, the Supreme Court accepted several arguments made by states in defending their cost-control measures.

The plan is predicated on the success of unspecified cost-control measures.

Mr. Langenvin said that without risk transfers, the industry would be robbed of one of its main cost-control measures.

Motor vehicle manufacturers frequently use the same core structure for several different models, in part as a cost-control measure.

Florida is already testing cost-control measures in workers' compensation cases.

Congress would have to vote on cost-control measures if general tax revenues account for more than 45 percent of Medicare spending.

Much of the cash will come from cost-control measures, like the announcement earlier this month that the company will lay off 3,700 workers.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association said the proposal would impede what it described as legitimate cost-control measures.