Medicare Payment Advisory Commission

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is an independent US federal body. MedPAC was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33). 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 health providers serving Medicare beneficiaries. MedPAC is also relied on by Medicare administrators and policy makers to evaluate beneficiary's access to care and the quality of care received. MedPAC's mandate is broad enough that it can also evaluate other issues affecting Medicare.

MedPAC produces two major reports to the United States Congress each year that contain recommendations to improve Medicare. For example, its June 2008 report to Congress, "Reforming the Delivery System," made several recommendations along "a path to bundled payment."

A related group, the Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (or Relative Value Update Committee; RUC), composed of physicians associated with the American Medical Association, also advises the government about pay standards for Medicare patient procedures, according to news reports.

See also

• Accountable care organization
• Independent Payment Advisory Board
• Medicare Advantage
• Quality improvement organizations
• Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee (or Relative Value Update Committee; RUC)

External links

• Official MedPAC website