Newswise — WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 24, 2013) —
Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAADPresident, American Academy of Dermatology Association
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) applauds the introduction of the Protecting Seniors’ Access to Medicare Act, legislation that would repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) created by the 2010 Affordable Care Act. Throughout the health system reform debate, the AADA has supported the principles of quality care and efficiency, as well as a patient-centered approach to health care delivery. It is for these principles that the AADA strongly supports a repeal of the IPAB.
Implementation of the IPAB would largely remove congressional authority over Medicare, and grant unprecedented authority to an unelected panel of officials in the Executive Branch. Providing such authority to an unaccountable group of individuals would diminish the transparency achieved by longstanding congressional oversight and would unintentionally and negatively impact the availability of quality, efficient health care to Americans.
Additionally, federal spending on Medicare is already constrained by the flawed sustainable growth rate formula. The addition of yet another short-sighted, targeted spending system in the form of the IPAB will only further compromise access to quality health care. The AADA is committed to addressing Medicare’s long-term fiscal sustainability in a manner that preserves patient access to care. We thank lead sponsor and author of the bill, Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN); Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and all of the bill’s cosponsors for their leadership and bipartisan support on this important issue.
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Celebrating 75 years of promoting skin, hair, and nail health Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1 (888) 462-DERM (3376) or visit www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).
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