HPH NOW, June 8, 2005, Kane Named to Federal Commission that Advises Congress on Medicare


	Nancy Kane

Nancy M. Kane, professor of health management in the Department of Health Policy and Management, has been named to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), an independent federal body that advises the U.S. Congress on issues affecting the Medicare program. In addition to advising the Congress on payments to private health plans participating in Medicare and providers in Medicare's traditional fee-for-service program, MedPAC also analyzes access to care, quality of care, and other issues affecting Medicare.

The Commission currently has 17 members. They are appointed by the Comptroller General to three-year terms that are subject to renewal. The Commission is supported by an executive director and a staff of analysts, who typically have backgrounds in economics, health policy, public health, or medicine.

MedPAC meets publicly to discuss policy issues and to formulate its recommendations to the Congress. Commissioners consider the results of staff research, presentations by policy experts, and comments from interested parties. Commission members and staff also seek input on Medicare issues through meetings with individuals interested in the program, including staff from congressional committees and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, health care researchers, health care providers, and beneficiary advocates.

The Commission publishes its recommendations in two reports each year.

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