Polly Toynbee, a very left-of-center columnist for the Guardian, writes that, “The NHS was always rationed. What matters is whether it is done rationally or haphazardly, nationally or by postcode, in public or secretly …More treatments are denied without a national or rational debate. A Doctors.net.uk survey of GPs shows most are deeply concerned at rationing by stealth.”
Sound familiar? It should -- it’s a fast-forward look at where we’re going through IPAB. But maybe not.
Tomorrow, at 10AM in Rayburn 2123, the Committee on Energy and Commerce will meet in an open markup session to consider doing away with IPAB via the Medicare Decisions Accountability Act of 2011. AKA H.R. 452, this piece of legislation would repeal Sections 3403 and10320 of PPACA – the sections that established and empowered the IPAB.
And Senator John Cornyn has introduced S. 2118, a bill that would similarly eliminate the Independent Payment Advisory Board.
As we enter into election season, it’s time for our elected representatives to go on the record about their positions on healthcare rationing – of which IPAB is Exhibit A. As Ms. Toynbee writes, Better by far to make these painful choices in the full glare of open public debate.”
Ladies and Gentlemen of Congress -- it's time to stand up and be counted.
