Approximately 270 healthcare groups signed a letter to Congress urging legislators to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board, a panel of experts with the power to set Medicare rates, according to a report by The Hill.
Established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the IPAB recommends rate changes to Congress. The changes, however, take effect unless Congress specifically blocks them.
"We believe that the IPAB sets a dangerous precedent for overriding the normal legislative process," the organizations said in the letter. "Congress is a representative body that has a duty to legislate on issues of public policy. Abdicating this responsibility to an unelected and unaccountable board removes our elected officials from the decision-making process for a program that millions of our nation’s seniors and disabled individuals rely upon."
Republicans in Congress have continued to criticize the IPAB, while Democratic defenders argue it is one of the best ways to control rising healthcare costs, according to the report.
Read The Hill report on the IPAB.
Related Articles on the IPAB:
Independent Payment Advisory Board: 6 Things to Know
Two More Democrats Join GOP Against Independent Payment Advisory Board
GOP Bill Would Repeal Medicare Rate-Setting Board
Established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the IPAB recommends rate changes to Congress. The changes, however, take effect unless Congress specifically blocks them.
"We believe that the IPAB sets a dangerous precedent for overriding the normal legislative process," the organizations said in the letter. "Congress is a representative body that has a duty to legislate on issues of public policy. Abdicating this responsibility to an unelected and unaccountable board removes our elected officials from the decision-making process for a program that millions of our nation’s seniors and disabled individuals rely upon."
Republicans in Congress have continued to criticize the IPAB, while Democratic defenders argue it is one of the best ways to control rising healthcare costs, according to the report.
Read The Hill report on the IPAB.
Related Articles on the IPAB:
Independent Payment Advisory Board: 6 Things to Know
Two More Democrats Join GOP Against Independent Payment Advisory Board
GOP Bill Would Repeal Medicare Rate-Setting Board