Rockefeller, Lieberman, and Whitehouse Push for Stronger Medicare Advisory Board

Statement

Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Senator Joe Lieberman, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse have introduced an amendment to strengthen the Independent Medicare Advisory Board (IMAB) in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that Medicare is in trouble. If we do not put Medicare on a path to financial sustainability, then this vital program and the benefits that seniors and the disabled receive from it will be in jeopardy," said Senator Rockefeller. "Creating an independent authority to help Congress make informed decisions to keep Medicare solvent and effective - not just cost decisions but also quality decisions - is a sound strategy." "If we are serious about protecting Medicare's future, then we must remove the provisions that threaten the integrity of the Board and undermine its effectiveness. We must eliminate the carve-out for hospitals and other providers," continued Senator Rockefeller, who introduced the original MedPAC Reform Act in May 2009 and has been a vocal opponent of the carve-out provisions. "A strong Independent Medicare Advisory Board is a powerful cornerstone of health reform, but if we want the Board to succeed, then we must provide the necessary tools for both Medicare reform and private sector cost-containment."

"One of the most important goals of health care reform is reducing the cost of health care. The Independent Medicare Advisory Board is one of our most effective tools to do just that. I am confident that our amendment will strengthen the Board, resulting in even greater cost savings, and extend the long-term solvency of Medicare," said Senator Lieberman.

"I commend Senator Rockefeller for his efforts to strengthen the provision in this health care reform legislation creating an independent, objective board to control Medicare costs. The complexity of the health reform challenge - and the power of the interest groups involved - has often paralyzed Congress. We must protect against such paralysis, which is why Senator Rockefeller's amendment is so important. Without it, Congress can easily be used to prevent the changes needed to rein in the skyrocketing wasteful costs in our health care system," said Senator Whitehouse.

"This amendment would give these experts the teeth they need to protect Medicare, reducing health care costs for Medicare beneficiaries and extending the life of the trust fund. It would be a great improvement to the bill," said Senator Bingaman, an original cosponsor of the amendment.

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