IPAB

IPAB or Independent Payment Advisory Board is a United States federal agency that was established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in 2010. The board is tasked with developing proposals to reduce the per capita rate of growth in Medicare spending.

History

The Independent Payment Advisory Board was created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. The board was designed to serve as a check on the growth of Medicare spending.

Function

The primary function of the IPAB is to recommend policies to Congress to help slow the growth of national health care expenditures while preserving or enhancing the quality of care. If the Medicare program's per capita spending grows at a rate that is too high, the IPAB is required to make recommendations to reduce this growth rate.

Structure

The IPAB is composed of 15 full-time members who are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. The members serve for six-year terms and can be reappointed. The board is required to include physicians and other health professionals, experts in the area of health finance, health services researchers, employers, and representatives of consumers and the elderly.

Criticism

The IPAB has been criticized for a variety of reasons. Some critics argue that the board has too much power and that its decisions could lead to rationing of care. Others argue that the board is not accountable enough to the public.

See also

• Medicare (United States)
• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
• Healthcare reform in the United States

External links

• Official IPAB website

IPAB Resources
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