By encouraging and essentially subsidizing the phenomenon, it has stepped beyond its traditional role of neutrally conveying public opinion to members of Congress.

In high-cost New York City, Medicare pays as much as $671 a month for each H.M.O. member, essentially subsidizing zero premiums and generous drug benefits.

After building a center, the developer then essentially subsidizes it by renting at a drastically reduced rate or, in some cases, without charge.

The federal tax structure essentially subsidized such inequities.

"I've been saying for years that we send too much money to the state and that we're essentially subsidizing the rest of the state," he said.

The Lower East Side needle exchange dispenses 20,000-plus syringes weekly, essentially subsidizing the drug trade in our community.

Consumers do not need to pay much to upgrade their phone sets, because service providers essentially subsidize them.

In many areas of the country, private insurers pay more for office visits than Medicare does, so doctors can essentially subsidize their Medicare patients.

In its quest for the right stores and restaurants, Olympia & York is essentially subsidizing some tenants for a few years by providing below-market rents.

In such situations, he said, shareholders could end up essentially subsidizing the commercial space as time goes by and common-area costs go up.