AMA Statement on U.S. House Vote to Repeal IPAB

PRESS RELEASE

Statement attributed to:

Steven J. Stack, MD

President, American Medical Association

“The American Medical Association commends the U.S. House of Representatives on its vote to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) policy.

“We believe that the IPAB policy would reduce access to care for millions of seniors and applaud Representative Phil Roe, M.D. for his tremendous work and leadership on this issue.

“Similar to the Sustainable Growth Rate formula that was repealed in April, the IPAB would be a rigid and short-sighted system that relies solely on arbitrary payment cuts that would hinder efforts to improve quality and health outcomes and make Medicare more sustainable.

“Policymakers should, however, find another funding source besides the Prevention and Public Health Fund that is meant to improve the health of the nation.

“To that end, we look forward to working with policymakers in both the U.S. House and Senate to bring an end to the flawed policy in a way that doesn’t negatively impact prevention programs and public health.”