House Bill Would Nix Budget For Obamacare Payment Advisory Board (aka Sarah Palin's 'Death Panels')

[big_dog]

Source: The Daily Kos & The Hill.com

A controversial cost-cutting panel created by ObamaCare would see its budget cut by $10 million if the nearly $1.1-trillion spending bill released Tuesday night passes in its current form. The Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), though it has not been convened, is strongly opposed by Republican lawmakers.

The panel is designed to slow the growth of Medicare spending when it accelerates too quickly by making recommendations for program cuts that are fast-tracked through Congress. Opponents say the board is undemocratic and would ration care for seniors. Supporters of the healthcare law note note the panel is prevented from cutting Medicare benefits.

Slashing the IPAB's budget allows Republicans to attack the board without repealing it, a decision that would raise the deficit, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

The IPAB has not met in part because U.S. healthcare spending growth is at a record low.
That would be the panel intended to review increases in Medicare spending and advise Congress on potential cuts or changes that could be made. Or, if you are Sarah Palin looking to roust a base of paranoid Tea Party morons, "death panels!" My only note here is that we'll pay over $80 million to two guys for advice on how best to torture captive foreigners, but $10 million to review Medicare spending is too much

Read more: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/10/1350776/-House-bill-would-nix-budget-for-Obamacare-s-Payment-Advisory-Board-aka-Death-Panels

[sakabatou]

1. Not surprised

[big_dog]

2. 'The IPAB has not met in part because U.S. healthcare spending growth is at a record low'

so the panel never even really existed. Bravo Caribou Barbie!