There is currently an opportunity in the US Senate to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) which currently holds the power to make arbitrary reductions from Medicare. At present any changes that the IPAB makes are mandatory unless legislation is passed by Congress with a the half majority. IPAB itself is only triggered once Medicare spending reaches a certain spending threshold, at which point the President must appoint a 15-member commission to address the budget costs. This system is neither transparent nor a guarantee of consumer representation, with IPAB obliged to implement any cuts it proposes at a fast pace. Such a move would pose a risk to Medicare beneficiaries, exacerbating current issues with physicians and specialists unable to accept new patients. These cuts would endanger two-thirds of Medicare beneficiaries who earn less than $23,500, and the seniors that depend on Medicare programs for assistance. There is strong bipartisan support for repeal of the IPAB, with one bill already passed in the house calling for immediate repeal and further legislation pending in the Senate. Indeed, one vote has already been passed to deny any funds to establishing the IPAB. Should the IPAB be called into action, it may represent the first time that Medicare has its care and services rationed.
There is currently an opportunity in the US Senate to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) which currently holds the power to make arbitrary reductions from Medicare. At present any changes that the IPAB makes are mandatory unless legislation is passed by Congress with a two-thirds majority. IPAB itself is only triggered once Medicare spending reaches a certain spending threshold, at which point the President must appoint a 15-member commission to address the budget costs. This system is neither transparent nor a guarantee of consumer representation, with IPAB obliged to implement any cuts it proposes at a fast pace. Such a move would pose a risk to Medicare beneficiaries, exacerbating current issues with physicians and specialists unable to accept new patients. These cuts would endanger the half of Medicare beneficiaries who earn less than $23,500, and the seniors that depend on Medicare programs for assistance. There is strong bipartisan support for repeal of the IPAB, with one bill already passed in the house calling for immediate repeal and further legislation pending in the Senate. Indeed, one vote has already been passed to deny any funds to establishing the IPAB. Should the IPAB be called into action, it may represent the first time that Medicare has its care and services rationed.