What may have seemed like just another health reform proposal a couple months ago could soon become reality. Federal lawmakers are now having serious discussions about allowing an independent board, such as the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), set Medicare payment rates to help keep program costs in check, according to published reports.
Currently, MedPAC makes non-binding recommendations about Medicare policy, including reforms to Medicare Advantage and the sustainable growth rate, or SGR.
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calf.) has said that current health reform negotiations include creating a cost-containment board, according to a story published today in Congressional Quarterly.
Congressional Quarterly published a story today reporting House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calf.) stating current health reform negotiations include creating a cost-containment board. Some Republicans and moderate Democrats want a board to help control runaway health care costs, which the Congressional Budget Office says current legislation will not do.
President Barack Obama told the Newshour with Jim Lehrer MedPAC could be that board. Here's what he said:
"And that's why we have suggested taking a Republican idea of something called a MedPAC board, a commission of medical experts - doctors and health professionals - to determine ongoing changes and continuing improvement in how the Medicare system works. We actually think that will help drive a lowering of costs across the system."