The "Medicare Decisions Accountability Act" (H.R. 452), which repeals the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), has officially become bipartisan with the addition of three democratic co-sponsors, Michael Capuano (MA-08), Shelley Berkley (NV-01) and Larry Kissell (NC-08). The bill currently has 52 co-sponsors and is gaining momentum in the House.
Sections 3403 and 10320 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) creates the IPAB, a 15 member panel appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Beginning in 2015, the Board is charged with extending Medicare solvency and reducing the growth in spending by implementing a spending target system and a fast-track legislative approval process.
The IPAB was never a part of the House’s health care overhaul and House Democrats strongly opposed it over concern that the group’s changes would take effect without Congress getting a chance to approve them. But they ultimately supported the Senate’s bill, including IPAB, to get the health law enacted.
The AOA opposed the creation of IPAB and the OOA is urging physicians to contact your Congressional representatives and urge them to support repeal: http://ssl.capwiz.com/aoa-aoia/issues/alert/?alertid=30379516