December 20, 2017

The Honorable Mitch McConnell
317 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Leader McConnell,

On November 2, 2017, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 849, the Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act of 2017, which would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), by a vote of 307 to 111.  On behalf of the more than one million members and supporters of the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW), I respectfully ask that the Senate take up H.R. 849.  Passing this legislation would be a perfect complement to repealing the tax for not purchasing health insurance.

As you know, IPAB was set up to consist of 15 members who would have the ability to make changes to the Medicare program when Medicare spending rises above a targeted growth rate established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Actuary.  Repealing IPAB would put an end to its unchecked autonomy and power, including the ability to control prices and ration health care.

Additional information on why IPAB should be repealed can be found in CCAGW Health and Science Director Elizabeth Wright’s October 28 Washington Examiner op-ed.  All votes on H.R. 849 would be among those considered for CCAGW’s 2017 Congressional Ratings.

Sincerely,

Tom Schatz
President, CCAGW

Click for PDF