Representative Phil Roe, M.D., (R-TN) has introduced H.R. 452, legislation that would eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). The legislation currently has 23 cosponsors. ASA strongly opposes the IPAB - a draconian Medicare cost-cutting mechanism created by PPACA.

The reform law created the IPAB as a novel and aggressive mechanism to “reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending.” The Board, composed of 15 members appointed by the President, is charged with developing proposals to maintain Medicare spending below a targeted per capita growth rate.  The Board’s proposals receive special expedited and protected consideration by Congress. The process spelled out in the statute creates a number of barriers that inhibit Congress’ ability to reject or defeat any proposed Medicare cuts.   

ASA is extremely troubled by the prospect of sweeping cuts to already unreasonably low Medicare payments for anesthesia services. Cuts by IPAB will have a disproportionate impact on anesthesia services because of the already low payment rates.

In December 2009, Democrats and Republicans wrote a letter to Nancy Pelosi, expressing strong opposition to IPAB.

Dr. Phil Roe released the following statements on IPAB:

"The creation of the IPAB is a flawed mandate in Obamacare that must be repealed. This board’s sole purpose is to control Medicare costs – giving this board the authority to approve and deny funding for care. The IPAB does not have a mandate to improve patient care, but simply to meet a budget. Naturally, my concern is that this board will harm patient care."

"In addition, the IPAB will lack full Congressional Oversight, compromising its accountability to the American people. This simply cannot be allowed to happen. We have bipartisan agreement around the idea that unelected bureaucrats shouldn't be able to make unaccountable decisions."

Click here to read the full legislation.