Romney, Debate, Obamacare Advisory Board.

I awoke this morning mildly paranoid about what I do not know about Obamacare. Why? Because the facts are leaking out, like gritty, grimy oil from a grungy, greasy reservoir, contaminating the nature of whatever good might be buried in the Affordable Care Act itself.  Romney highlighted one of these slimy facts much to the chagrin and peevish defense by Obama. 

You may recall from the debate that Romney called Obama out on the Obamacare advisory board. What does this board do? Obama must not know. Because Obama failed to explain his namesake law, much less defend its awesome power. However, after a brief examination, I can understand why Obama wishes to keep the board a secret.  Here is how George Will explains it.

"The Independent Payment Advisory Board perfectly illustrates liberalism’s itch to remove choices from individuals, and from their elected representatives, and to repose the power to choose in supposed experts liberated from democratic accountability. Beginning in 2014, IPAB would consist of 15 unelected technocrats whose recommendations for reducing Medicare costs must be enacted by Congress by Aug. 15 of each year. If Congress does not enact them, or other measures achieving the same level of cost containment, IPAB’s proposals automatically are transformed from recommendations into law. 

Without being approved by Congress. Without being signed by the president.

These facts refute Obama’s Denver assurance that IPAB “can’t make decisions about what treatments are given.” It can and will by controlling payments to doctors and hospitals."

I was not aware of the power of this board until it was mentioned in the debate. I can see why that Obama wishes ti keep this attribute of Obamacare on the down-low. On the up-high, it is clear anathema to any thoughtful American. It certainly is for me. I am thankful that it came up in the debate. 

The IPAB, if not extinguished, could be powerful than the supreme court.

Stay tuned on this issue. It will come up again.