Shame on Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, for trying to scare seniors with her latest mailing. She makes claims that the Independent Payment Advisory Board will cut back or ration Medicare. Untrue. This board will consist of 15 experts including doctors and patient advocates to be nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
The IPAB is specifically prohibited by law from recommending any policies that ration care, raise taxes, increase premiums or cost-sharing, restrict benefits or modify who is eligible for Medicare. Congress has the power to accept or reject the recommendations. Seniors will have their guaranteed Medicare benefits. The IPAB is charged with ways to identify and implement what works in terms of lowering costs and improving care.
Dianne Jeffries
Ridgefield
