Medicare payment advisory commission

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
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Formation	1997
Type	Independent Congressional Agency
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Membership	N/A
Language	N/A
Leader title	N/A
Leader name	N/A
Website	medpac.gov

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is an independent congressional agency established to advise the United States Congress on issues affecting the Medicare program. MedPAC was created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and is tasked with analyzing access to care, quality of care, and other issues affecting Medicare.

History

MedPAC was established in 1997 as part of the Balanced Budget Act. The commission was formed by merging two predecessor commissions: the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission (ProPAC) and the Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC). The goal was to create a single entity that could provide comprehensive advice on Medicare payment policies.

Structure and Function

MedPAC is composed of 17 members who are appointed by the Comptroller General of the United States. These members include experts in health care delivery, finance, and policy. The commission meets publicly to discuss policy issues and to develop recommendations for Congress.

MedPAC's primary functions include:

• Analyzing Medicare payment policies and their impact on beneficiaries and providers.
• Evaluating access to care and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries.
• Advising Congress on ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Medicare program.

Reports and Recommendations

MedPAC issues two major reports to Congress each year: one in March and one in June. These reports contain recommendations on Medicare payment policies and other issues. MedPAC's recommendations are influential in shaping Medicare policy, although they are not binding.

Impact on Medicare Policy

MedPAC's analyses and recommendations have played a significant role in shaping Medicare policy over the years. The commission's work has influenced payment reforms, quality improvement initiatives, and efforts to control costs within the Medicare program.

Also see

• Medicare (United States)
• Balanced Budget Act of 1997
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Health policy in the United States