CPPR Spokesman Applauds AMA’s call for repeal of IPAB

Former AMA president Donald Palmisano encourages Congress to repeal Independent Payment Advisory Board

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Coalition to Protect Patients Rights (CPPR) spokesman Dr. Donald J. Palmisano, today applauded the American Medical Association’s (AMA) decision to call for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).

“I fully support the AMA’s decision to call for the repeal of IPAB, and I hope lawmakers in Washington will finally listen to medical professionals and patients around the country who are also calling for an end to this dangerous and unaccountable Medicare cost-cutting board,” said Dr. Palmisano. “IPAB will be given unprecedented power to cut billions of dollars from the Medicare program and has virtually no oversight. This reckless manner of cost cutting cannot be allowed in the United States of America.”

Starting in 2015, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) will be a 15-member panel of unelected bureaucrats empowered to make cuts to the Medicare program every year in which spending exceeds targeted growth rates.

“After $500 Billion was cut from Medicare to pay for the new health law, further cuts to the program and the subsequent rationing of care will severely diminish the quality and availability of health care to seniors across the country,” said Dr. Palmisano.

The AMA, which recently finished its Annual meeting in Chicago Tuesday night, passed Resolution 217 on Monday, calling for the repeal of IPAB.

The Coalition to Protect Patients Rights staunchly opposed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act due to its failure to protect patients’ rights and is currently working hard to advocate for a full repeal of IPAB to ensure American patients have continued access to quality health care.

About the Coalition to Protect Patients’ Rights: The Coalition to Protect Patients Rights is a non-partisan, grassroots coalition made up of over 10,000 doctors, health care providers, advocacy groups, and concerned citizens who are dedicated to the implementation of patient-centered health care reform that will improve patient care.For more information, visit the Coalition to Protect Patients’ Rights website at www.protectpatientsrights.org. Also, check out CPPR’s Facebook account here, and its Twitter feed at PatientsNOW.