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In addition to direct lobbying against the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), the American Society of Anesthesiologists joined 250 other groups representing all sectors of the health care industry in a formal communication to members of Congress opposing IPAB.
The letter states, “We are deeply concerned about the impact the IPAB will have on patient access to quality health care. The bulk of any recommended spending reductions will almost certainly come in the form of payment cuts to Medicare providers.”
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) created IPAB, a board composed of 15 members appointed by the President, 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.
Click here to read the entire letter and to see the list of the other groups who signed the letter.
