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NAM says Medical Board Will be a "Drag on Health Care Innovation"

March 23, 2012
The manufacturing group is throwing its support behind H.R.5 - the Protecting Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2012. Aric Newhouse, the group's senior vice president for Policy and Government Relations said the following:"As creators of life-saving ...

The manufacturing group is throwing its support behind H.R.5 - the Protecting Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2012.

Aric Newhouse, the group's senior vice president for Policy and Government Relations said the following:

"As creators of life-saving innovation in the medical field, manufacturers know that squeezing reimbursements is not an effective way to address the structural issues in Medicare.

The only real effect will be a slowdown in innovative medical treatments and a cost shift to the private sector. Adopting the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) as part of the health care reform law and allowing the unaccountable Board to unilaterally adjust reimbursement rates was a bad idea that Congress should reverse.

Manufacturers are deeply concerned that upon implementation, these adjustments will limit access to advanced medical technologies and serve as a roadblock to further research and development. It is critical to put an end to the IPAB before it begins.

Manufacturers believe that comprehensive reform is the way to fix Medicare – not short-term reductions that place a drag on innovation. Additionally, it's time to put a stop to frivolous lawsuits that threaten manufacturing jobs. H.R. 5 rightly repeals the IPAB while implementing sensible medical liability reforms, and the NAM supports its passage."

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health. 

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