WASHINGTON, DC (February 8 2018): The Council for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC) – a coalition of employers, insurers, life science companies, PBMs, brokers, agents, patient groups, and physician organizations – responded today to the unveiling of Senate Republicans and Democrats’ Bipartisan Budget Act, which repeals the Affordable Care Act’s Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), effectuating a longtime policy goal of CAHC’s.
CAHC President Joel White released the following statement:
“Today, America’s 59 million Medicare beneficiaries can say ‘good riddance.’ For too long now, Obamacare’s ill-conceived IPAB has been a cloud over the head of our nation’s seniors, threatening to enact sweeping, draconian cuts that would leave vulnerable patients holding the bag. This harmful, indiscriminate cost-cutting panel is precisely the wrong way to control Medicare spending. Its looming repeal as part of this budget agreement is a victory for CAHC’s advocacy efforts and, more importantly, for every American who shares a concern for protecting access to quality care,” said CAHC President Joel White.
Background:
CAHC has conducted a years-long advocacy campaign to champion IPAB repeal including dozens of meetings with Members of Congress and staff, op-eds, public statements, and other measures. Last fall, IPAB repeal was atop CAHC’s “Holiday Wish List” of must-pass legislative priorities.
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About CAHC:
The Council for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC) is a broad-based alliance with a primary focus: bringing down the cost of health care for all Americans. CAHC promotes policies that lower health costs through increased competition, informed consumers and more choices to help promote access to affordable coverage. Learn more at CAHC.net.