A new physician payment system with reduced rates beginning in 2015 is one of the more notable suggestions included in a draft proposal released by the co-chairmen of the bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. Many physician groups have called for a repeal of the current formula for setting Medicare physician rates, but the cost for a long-term solution estimated near $300 billion over 10 years, has been off limits both politically and fiscally. The proposal also included recommendations for expanding Medicare cost sharing, enacting comprehensive medical malpractice liability reform, and other deficit-reducing measures. The proposed reductions rely on the new Independent Payment Advisory Board, created under the health reform laws, to come up with many of the cost savings. Lawmakers have targeted the IPAC as a primary target for repeal.

Publication Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2010