The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is a nonpartisan, independent legislative branch agency that provides the U.S. Congress with analysis and policy advice on the Medicare program.
In 1997, Congress created the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) as an independent congressional agency to advise it on Medicare issues. Additionally, MedPAC advises Congress on Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service program and payments to private health plans participating in Medicare.
Meeting publicly, MedPAC formulates policy recommendations for Congress and discusses policy issues. The Commissioners consider the findings of staff research and comments from interested parties during these meetings.
Through frequent meetings with individuals interested in Medicare, commission members and staff seek input on Medicare issues, including staff from congressional committees and CMS, healthcare researchers, healthcare providers, and beneficiaries advocates.
Two reports—issued in March and June each year—are the primary outlet for Commission recommendations.