Healthcare groups seeking IPAB repeal

Originally designed as a board of impartial experts to oversee the health care system and develop recommendations regarding the procedures, medications and spending priorities for Medicare and Medicaid, criticism against the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) reached a new level last week, when  a robust cross-section of health care stakeholders signed a letter to members of Congress urging them to repeal the controversial cost-cutting IPAB panel established under health care reform

The IPAB, which will not make it's first recommendation until 2014, is under intense scrutiny by stakeholders  concerned with it's ability to make rational recommendations to payment methods and the belief that the IPAB might lead the way to rate setting for all payers.    As currently defined, any IPAB recommendations would take effect without Congressional approval,  and as such, removes elected officials from the decision making process when changes occur in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Proponents point out that Market forces alone cannot control health care costs and by implementing best practices and devising methods by which Medicare and Medicaid may provide better services at lower costs, the IPAB is an impartial process that will control skyrocketing costs and allow the Medicare and Medicaid programs to continue.  A three-fifths Senate vote could override any recommended payment cuts, and Congress could always increase Medicare funding through independent legislation.



The House Energy and Commerce Committee is planning a hearing on the panel in July.