Congressional Republicans last Thursday quietly lowered the defenses of legislation surrounding the healthcare law's Independent Payment Advisory Board, a linchpin to the health overhaul's cost-cutting intentions, according to a report by the Washington Post.
The IPAB, part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Act, establishes an appointed board that oversees Medicare reimbursement rates in an effort impede spending growth. Because Medicare cuts are never politically popular, yet are integral to Democrats' motives, the statute regarding the IPAB in the law includes language that protects it from certain Congressional debate that could lead to its death.
However, in a House bill passed last week, Republicans included two lines that state the protective language "shall not apply in the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress," according to the report
That could open the IPAB up for future debate, which threatens the speed of its implementation, if not the IPAB altogether.
GOP Representative Unveils Bill to Repeal PPACA's Cost-Cutting Board
Rep. Eric Cantor Leads GOP's Second Effort to Repeal IPAB
The IPAB, part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Act, establishes an appointed board that oversees Medicare reimbursement rates in an effort impede spending growth. Because Medicare cuts are never politically popular, yet are integral to Democrats' motives, the statute regarding the IPAB in the law includes language that protects it from certain Congressional debate that could lead to its death.
However, in a House bill passed last week, Republicans included two lines that state the protective language "shall not apply in the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress," according to the report
That could open the IPAB up for future debate, which threatens the speed of its implementation, if not the IPAB altogether.
More Articles on the Independent Payment Advisory Board:
House Democrats Willing to Axe IPAB in Fiscal Cliff TalksGOP Representative Unveils Bill to Repeal PPACA's Cost-Cutting Board
Rep. Eric Cantor Leads GOP's Second Effort to Repeal IPAB