Experts Refuse to Join Obama Administration’s IPAB Death Panel

 

by Tony Perkins

 

Apparently, serving on a government “death panel” isn’t exactly topping people’s bucket lists.

This week, the Washington Post explained that ObamaCare’s 15-member “rationing panel” has hit a bit of a snag: no one wants to join it. The Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) was one of the most controversial parts of the President’s legislation–mainly because it puts 15 unelected strangers in charge of health decisions for most Americans.

In the name of “cost-certainty,” IPAB would have the authority to limit which specialists you see, what treatments are available, and in some cases, whether you’re eligible for care at all.

 Still, the pressure of cutting costs without affecting care isn’t exactly a health industry dream job. “You’re joining an organization that has uncertain authority with the certainty of being deeply political and widely criticized,” said Bob Kocher, a former Obama advisor. “It doesn’t make sense for current thought leaders in American health care to want to do this.”

Even Jonathan Gruber, who helped pass ObamaCare, wants no part of it. “No way,” he told reporters.

 Unfortunately for Americans, the next best thing to IPAB is just as frightening. If the panel remains unfilled–and Congress doesn’t find an alternative–the power would transfer over to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who would have the authority to implement her own cost-cutting measures without any accountability whatsoever. How many of you would want Kathleen Sebelius sitting at the controls when you have a health condition?

Not me–and certainly not House Republicans. Earlier this month, as part of a rules package, the House voted not to comply with any Medicare cuts that IPAB recommends (which would lead to the rationing conservatives warned about). Although the GOP is desperately trying to block the Board from injecting itself in doctor-patient care, it isn’t likely to change much. Still, good on conservatives for chipping away at the credibility of this and other ObamaCare provisions! Eventually, the rest of the country may catch on and elect leaders who would repeal the law altogether.

Tony Perkins is the president of the Family Research Council.