Banks Votes to Repeal Obamacare’s IPAB
Washington, DC,
November 2, 2017
Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) today voted to disband the Medicare Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), a board of 15 unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats with the power to make substantial changes to Medicare. The legislation passed the House 307 to 111. “Hoosiers should be in charge of their health care choices, not a panel of unelected bureaucrats in Washington,” said Banks. “Strengthening Medicare and putting it on a fiscally healthy track is a task for members of Congress – officials who the American people have elected and can hold accountable. This legislation ensures unelected appointees are not given critical authority when it comes to the personal health care decisions of seniors.” Background: The Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), created by Obamacare, consists of 15 political appointees tasked with reducing Medicare spending. The group’s primary function is to cut payments to Medicare providers, which could ultimately result in rationed care for seniors. The board’s recommendations would be implemented without congressional approval and overturning them would require a supermajority vote by Congress. ### Interested members of the media contact Anna Swick at anna.swick@mail.house.gov |