Letter about IPAB was misleading

The extent to which distortions and half-truths are thrust at the American people in the name of liberty is truly astonishing. The latest example comes from Connie Armstrong in her letter (May 6) in which she states that an Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB), created by the health reform law to slow Medicare's spending growth, “will soon continue more cutting and recycling those funds into other government programs.” What's worse, the “IPAB will make seniors' health care decisions for them.”

Bull.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the law directs the IPAB's 15 appointed members “to recommend savings for Medicare if the per capita growth in Medicare spending exceeds defined target growth rates.” Since the IPAB is an advisory board, it might be helpful to ask, “Who does the IPAB advise?” It will give recommendations to Congress because Congress alone has the power to authorize spending, and spending cuts, for programs like Medicare. The board's recommendations will have no effect if Congress makes the tough decisions to meet budget targets.

As for the freedom to decide, the law prohibits the IPAB “from recommending changes in premiums, benefits, eligibility and taxes, or other changes that would result in rationing,” says Kaiser. In other words, the board cannot make seniors' health care decisions for them. So, why do so many seem so willing to sacrifice the truth for liberty?

Mike Klug

Iowa City