Health law's independent payment board draws new opposition

Politico reports on the Independent Payment Advisory Board's growing unpopularity and CQ HealthBeat details the complexities that will be involved in the overhaul's expansion of health coverage for children and families. In the background, politics come into play as part of the run up to 2012.

Politico: Medicare Pay Board Is Losing Vital Support
One of the key provisions in President Barack Obama's health care reform law — his preferred method for getting Medicare costs under control — is facing a groundswell of opposition from unexpected corners. Several House Democrats have signed on to support a bill to repeal the Independent Payment Advisory Board, a panel created by the law that is supposed to help control rising costs in Medicare. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, a prominent supporter of the law, is now actively lobbying for its repeal, too (Haberkorn, 6/8).

CQ HealthBeat: Children's Health Coverage Expansion Complicated
The expansion of health coverage for families that is envisioned in the health care overhaul faces a number of barriers, researchers at an Urban Institute briefing said Tuesday. The health care law expands family coverage through Medicaid, new tax credits and other programs. Among the challenges are problems at the state level that could make Medicaid expansion difficult. Those include outdated computer systems, complex enrollment procedures, a political culture and workforce that may lead some state employees to make it difficult for new applicants, and financial obstacles (Adams, 6/7). 

Meanwhile, speculation continues on how the health overhaul will play in the 2012 election -

CBS (Video): Boenher: 2012 Elections Will Say 'A Lot' About Health Care System
Speaking in Ohio Tuesday, Speaker John Boehner said 2012 elections will say "a lot" about the health care system and that "Obamacare will ruin the best health care delivery system in the world" and "bankrupt our nation" (6/7). 

CBS: Club For Growth Critical Of Mitt Romney On Taxes, Health Care
The pro-growth conservative group Club for Growth is out with its latest "White Paper" analysis of the 2012 GOP presidential candidates sparing none of the candidates' histories for tough analysis. The latest paper ... is on former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, which says "he had a mixed record on taxes." ... As one could imagine, the Club does not spare any punches on Romney's health care record in Massachusetts. "Romneycare has failed to control health care costs, increased the size of government, and by its very nature introduced more government and less freedom into health care markets. Governor Romney should admit that Romneycare is a failure, and soon," it says (Hendin, 6/7).