Government imposed price controls could end up hurting Medicare patients and taxpayers. The Independent Payment Advisory Board - or IPAB - is one of the most harmful Obamacare provisions. The “Affordable” Care Act gave enormous powers to this unaccountable panel. Based on past experience, IPAB’s price controls could lead to scarcity, healthcare rationing, and spikes in the cost of other forms of medical care. This would mean longer wait times, fewer doctors and treatment options. At the same time, IPAB’s ability to issue decisions with very few checks and balances makes it very hard for Congress to propose smarter reforms to Medicare that could benefit taxpayers without hurting patients.
Price fixing won’t address the spending crisis Medicare - and the taxpayers, who will ultimately foot the bill - are facing. As Congress considers repealing Obamacare, getting rid of IPAB should be a top priority. Tell your lawmakers to repeal IPAB and pursue pro-consumer, market-based reforms.