Medicare Payment Advisory Commission
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 | This page in a nutshell: Group that advises U.S. Congress on Medicare improvements |
| Abbreviation | MedPAC |
|---|---|
| Type | independent |
| Location |
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is an independent, non-partisan legislative branch agency headquartered in Washington, D.C. MedPAC was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105–33). The BBA formed MedPAC by merging two predecessor commissions, the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission (ProPAC), established in 1983, and the Physician Payment Review Commission (PPRC), which was formed in 1985.
The commission's 17 members bring diverse expertise in the financing and delivery of health care services. Commissioners are appointed to three-year terms (subject to renewal) by the Comptroller General of the United States and serve part-time. Its primary role is to advise the US Congress on issues affecting the administration of the Medicare program. Specifically the commission's mandate is to advise the US Congress on payments to private health plans participating in Medicare and providers in Medicare's traditional fee-for-service program. MedPAC is also relied on by Medicare administrators and policy makers to evaluate beneficiaries' access to care, quality of care, and other issues affecting the Medicare program and its beneficiaries.[1]
MedPAC produces two major reports to the United States Congress each year that contain recommendations to improve Medicare.[1]
Mission
The mission of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is to provide independent, objective advice to Congress on Medicare payment policies. MedPAC analyzes how these policies affect access to care, quality of health services, and the financial sustainability of the Medicare program, aiming to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive high-quality care in a cost-effective manner.
Parent organization
MedPAC operates as an independent agency without a parent organization, directly reporting to the U.S. Congress.
Legislation
MedPAC was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, which merged two former commissions into one to streamline advice given to Congress on Medicare issues.
Partners
While not a partnership in the traditional sense, MedPAC collaborates with:
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Various congressional committees and health policy organizations.
Number of employees
MedPAC employs approximately 40 individuals.
Organization structure
- Commissioners, appointed by the Comptroller General, serve staggered three-year terms, providing diverse expertise in health care delivery and finance.
- Staff Analysts support the Commission with research and analysis.
List of programs
- Annual Reports to Congress - https://www.medpac.gov/reports/
- Public Meetings - https://www.medpac.gov/public-meetings/
- Policy Analysis and Recommendations
Last total enacted budget
The last total enacted budget for MedPAC was around $13 million for the 2024 Fiscal Year.
Leader
The organization is led by a Chair, elected by the Commissioners.
Services provided
MedPAC conducts comprehensive research on Medicare payment systems, beneficiary access to care, quality of care, and program spending. It issues recommendations to Congress to refine Medicare policies, publishes reports, holds public meetings to discuss findings, and engages in ongoing analysis of health care policy issues.
Regulations overseen
MedPAC does not oversee regulations but influences Medicare policy through its recommendations to Congress, which can lead to legislative or regulatory changes.
Headquarters address
425 I Street, NW, Suite 701, Washington, DC 20001, USA
History
MedPAC was created in 1997 when Congress decided to merge the Prospective Payment Assessment Commission and the Physician Payment Review Commission to form a more unified advisory body for Medicare. Since its establishment, MedPAC has been pivotal in shaping Medicare policy, offering insights into payment adequacy, health care delivery improvements, and fiscal sustainability of the program.
See also
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 MedPAC. What We Do
External links
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