Article preview from "The Pink Sheet" July 28, 2009
The Obama administration's proposal to establish an executive branch advisory council on Medicare payment issues may raise the threat of government negotiations for Medicare Part D drug prices. Read on...
Article preview from "The Pink Sheet" July 28, 2009
The legislative proposal was forwarded to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi July 17 by Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag, who urged that some form of an Independent Medicare Advisory Commission be included in House health reform legislation.
Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce committee have agreed to incorporate the concept in the Tri-Committee health reform bill, committee Chair Henry Waxman, D-Calif., announced July 22. The concept is supported by the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democratic coalition in the House, which has emerged as a key factor in moving the bill.
The White House proposal would establish IMAC to take on some of the Medicare payment and coverage decisions now handled by Congress - mainly payment rates under the Part B physicians' benefit as well as Part A, which pertains to inpatient hospital care.
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