On the recordMarch 22, 2012
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the legislation we'll vote on shortly to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This is something that simply should not have been done. These are unelected board members, 15 of them, appointed by the President, tasked for finding savings and making recommendations. Unfortunately, because of the limitations of what the board can cut, the majority of spending reductions will come from cutting reimbursements for doctors and those who care for Medicare patients. The ultimate result will be fewer options for patients when doctors are driven out of the Medicare system. We were told when the Affordable Care Act was passed that it would lead to a reduction in premiums. It's done exactly the opposite. This kind of board and these kinds of decisions made by unelected officials will simply drive the cost up further, and we cannot afford to do that. My only regret in today's action is that we're not repealing the entire act. I hope that comes soon. ____________________
