September MedPAC Meeting Reviews Medicare Fund Status, Payment Policies

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) Sept. 5 meeting highlighted discussions about several payment policies and the Medicare program’s overall financial situation. MedPAC staff gave the presentation as a backdrop for the commission’s work leading up to its March report to Congress. MedPAC is a non-partisan, independent legislative branch commission created to advise Congress about Medicare-related issues.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expects Medicare spending to nearly double over the next decade, increasing from about $1 trillion in 2023 to $1.9 trillion in 2032. This is driven by inflation, increasing numbers of beneficiaries aging into the program, and growth in the volume and intensity of services provided. Commissioners discussed workforce shortages as well as several financial challenges facing the Medicare program and will continue their work on this draft chapter.

MedPAC staff also gave background regarding Medicare’s measurement of rural provider care quality. Rural providers face unique challenges, such as small sample sizes and administrative burdens to report. Commissioners asked for additional data breakdowns and suggested mitigation strategies to address this complex issue.

Copies of MedPAC’s presentations used for this meeting are available on the commission’s website.

If you have questions or would like more information, contact Kimberly Greck, American College of Radiology® Senior Economic Policy Analyst.