Medicare Payment Advisory Commission

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is an independent US federal body. MedPAC was established by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-33). The Commission's 17 members bring diverse expertise in the financing and delivery of health care services. Commissioners are appointed to three-year terms (subject to renewal) by the Comptroller General of the United States and serve part-time. Its primary role is to advise the US Congress on issues affecting the administration of the Medicare program. Specifically the commission's mandate is to advise the US Congress on payments to private health plans participating in Medicare and health providers serving Medicare beneficiaries. MedPAC is also relied on by Medicare administrators and policy makers to evaluate beneficiary's access to care and the quality of care received. MedPAC's mandate is broad enough that it can also evaluate other issues affecting Medicare.