IPAB is composed of 15 unelected bureaucrats answerable to no one
Editor’s note. This letter, reprinted below, was sent to Members of Congress on October 2.
Dear Representative:
The mission of National Right to Life is to protect and defend the most fundamental right of humankind, the right to life of every innocent human being from the beginning of life to natural death. In that defense, we strongly urge you to repeal one of the most egregious parts of Obamacare, the so-called Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).
The IPAB is composed of 15 unelected bureaucrats who are answerable to no one. The Board is directed to recommend measures to limit private, nongovernmental spending on health care to a growth rate below medical inflation. Although most news reports have focused on the Board’s authority to limit government spending in Medicare, little attention has been given to this more sweeping danger of rationing healthcare paid for with nongovernmental dollars.
IPAB’s powers go well beyond some benign effort to control Medicare spending. IPAB would recommend drastic limits for the Department of Health and Human Services to impose on what Americans are allowed to spend out of their own funds to save their own lives and the lives of their families.
Given this extraordinary power and an apparent disregard for the sanctity of life, it is not surprising that some have dubbed IPAB a “death panel.”
Legislation to permanently repeal IPAB has bipartisan support in both chambers in this and former Congresses. Currently, there is bipartisan legislation (H.R.849/S. 260 Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act of 2017) which would repeal the IPAB.
National Right to Life urges every Member of Congress to recognize the importance of repealing the Independent Payment Advisory Board since Obamacare remains law. We urge you to ACT NOW to repeal this assault on our health care system and the sanctity of life and to reject the dangerous consolidation of unchecked government power which IPAB represents.
Respectfully,
President
Executive Director
Legislative Director
In the ongoing discourse surrounding healthcare policy in the United States, the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) stands as a contentious issue, drawing criticism from various quarters. Among those raising their voices against the IPAB is the National Right to Life organization, a prominent advocate for the sanctity of human life. As debates continue, the call to action to repeal IPAB grows louder, driven by concerns about its potential impact on healthcare choices and, ultimately, human dignity.
Established as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, the IPAB was designed with the aim of controlling Medicare costs by recommending cuts to healthcare spending when it exceeds predetermined targets. However, critics argue that the board’s authority to make unilateral decisions on Medicare reimbursement rates could lead to rationing of care, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with disabilities.
The National Right to Life organization, grounded in its mission to protect human life from conception to natural death, has been at the forefront of efforts to repeal the IPAB. Central to their argument is the concern that cost-cutting measures implemented by the board may prioritize economic considerations over the value and dignity of individual lives. By potentially limiting access to life-saving treatments or procedures, IPAB could jeopardize the fundamental right to healthcare and undermine the inherent worth of every human being.
Moreover, opponents of the IPAB raise questions about the lack of accountability inherent in its structure. With appointed members wielding significant power to influence healthcare policy, there are apprehensions about democratic oversight and transparency in decision-making processes. Critics contend that such unchecked authority undermines the principles of representative governance and could lead to decisions that are not reflective of the broader societal interests.
Beyond the immediate implications for healthcare provision, the debate over IPAB touches upon broader philosophical and ethical considerations. At its core, the discussion revolves around the balance between cost containment measures and the protection of individual autonomy and dignity in healthcare decision-making. The National Right to Life organization, alongside other advocacy groups, emphasizes the need for policies that uphold the sanctity of human life and ensure that healthcare remains grounded in principles of compassion, respect, and dignity.
Efforts to repeal the IPAB have gained momentum in recent years, with bipartisan support for legislative measures aimed at dismantling the board. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have echoed concerns raised by advocacy groups, recognizing the potential harms associated with unchecked cost-cutting measures in healthcare. As calls for action grow louder, there is a renewed sense of urgency to address the shortcomings of the IPAB and safeguard the integrity of America’s healthcare system.
In conclusion, the National Right to Life organization’s call for action to repeal the IPAB underscores the importance of prioritizing human dignity and healthcare choices in policy discussions. By advocating for the removal of a mechanism that threatens to undermine these fundamental principles, the organization reaffirms its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. As the debate continues, it is imperative that policymakers heed these voices and work towards ensuring that healthcare policies align with values that uphold the sanctity of human life.
Chelsea Garcia is a political writer with a special interest in international relations and social issues. Events surrounding the war in Ukraine and the war in Israel are a major focus for political journalists. But as a former local reporter, she is also interested in national politics.
Chelsea Garcia studied media, communication and political science in Texas, USA, and learned the journalistic trade during an internship at a daily newspaper. In addition to her political writing, she is pursuing a master's degree in multimedia and writing at Texas.
