H.R. 849, Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act of 2017

Floor Situation

On ­­­Thursday, November 2, 2017, the House will begin consideration of H.R. 849, the Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act of 2017, under a closed rule. H.R. 849 was introduced on February 3, 2017, by Rep. David P. Roe (R-TN) and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Ways and Means ordered the bill to be reported by a vote of 24-13 on October 4, 2017.

Summary

H.R. 849 amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to terminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).

Background

The Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) was established as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and is charged with developing proposals to reduce Medicare spending[1]. The board consists of fifteen appointed members that may make recommendations regarding Medicare cuts without Congressional oversight or input. Additionally, IPAB proposals are considered under fast-track procedures that limit Congress’s ability to modify the amount of cuts to Medicare and automatically put the proposal into effect if Congress fails to act.[2] IPAB has yet to be constituted because the conditions that trigger IPAB activity have yet to be met. This condition is determined by the Chief Actuary of CMS annually and consists of whether the projected five-year average growth in per capita Medicare program spending exceeds a specified target[3].

According to the bill’s sponsor, “One of the most troubling parts of Obamacare is the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). If this Obamacare provision is triggered, this unelected, unaccountable board could have a widespread control over Medicare spending, potentially affecting seniors’ access to care without any accountability to Congress or the administration. While we certainly need to take steps to preserve Medicare for future generation, I have grave concerns that IPAB could drastically cut Medicare benefits with little to no Congressional oversight. There is bipartisan agreement in Congress that the IPAB is a gross overreach of power, and I am glad to introduce the House version of these bipartisan, bicameral measures to protect seniors’ access to Medicare while we work to repeal Obamacare as whole.”[4]

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that implementing the legislation would reduce the deficit by $1.1 billion over the 2018-2027 period.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Dominique Yantko with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 3-1555.