Grasping at Thin Straws: That Kaiser IPAB Poll
July 05, 201110:18 am
Before we delve into this, let’s start with some basic, but essential, information. A CBS News/New York Times poll conducted in late June established Congress’s approval-disapproval rating at 20-70. That’s actually a high water mark compared to a December 2010 Gallup poll that said only 13 percent of the country approved of Congress’s job performance, compared to 83 percent disapproving.
Keep those numbers in mind as we discuss the Kaiser Family Foundation’s June tracking survey, a poll that proponents of the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) are touting as evidence that Americans are rejecting criticisms of IPAB.
Or, as Washington Post blogger Greg Sargent put it, “we now have our first poll that shows pretty clearly that the public isn’t buying the attacks.”
But is the Kaiser survey really so clear regarding public sentiment toward IPAB? In the Kaiser tracking poll, there is only one question dedicated to the issue. It was phrased as follows: “How much would you trust an independent panel of full time experts appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate to make proposals about ways to reduce Medicare spending and keep the program sustainable in the future? A great deal, a fair amount, just a little, or not at all?” Other iterations of the question substitute “Congress”, “private insurance companies” and “the federal agency that now runs Medicare” for the independent panel.
The results that made headlines show that 50 percent of the public trusts IPAB a great deal or a fair amount, compared to 34 percent trusting Congress.
Some observations:
1) Remember those congressional approval ratings I mentioned in the first paragraph? Essentially the public is being asked to choose between an institution they adamantly dislike and what’s behind the mystery box? Given such high public disapproval of the legislative branch, the only wonder is that the mystery box didn’t win by a bigger margin.
2) Only 15 percent of those surveyed, or less than one of every six Americans, said they support the “independent board” a great deal. That’s not exactly a rousing vote of confidence. The 34 percent who said they support IPAB “a fair amount” is probably as much an indication of the favorable description given the board in the survey question as it is genuine approval of the concept.
3) Speaking of that description, one can’t help but wonder how the public would respond if told that the implementation of IPAB recommendations would not be subject to judicial review, or that the statute makes it extremely difficult for Congress to overturn those recommendations, or that the way IPAB is structured means that its budget-cutting ax will almost certainly fall upon provider payments? If the public knew that this “independent board” would likely compel more physicians to see fewer Medicare patients, where would that approval rating be?
4) Voters elect members of Congress to make decisions on issues like the future of Medicare. Since when is a monthly tracking poll justification for shifting that constitutional responsibility over to a non-elected board?
Let’s be clear. This post is not intended to be a criticism of the excellent work the Kaiser Family Foundation does on its monthly healthcare tracking surveys. Rather, I’m amused that some of the same people and organizations who dismiss negative polls about the Affordable Care Act are so quick to grab hold of this rather thin straw.
CATEGORIES: 
23 Responses to “Grasping at Thin Straws: That Kaiser IPAB Poll”
September 28th, 2015 at 1:09 am
I want to build a blog in wordpress where I can share photos, have people upload photos and everyone can rate them. Can anybody recommend a good theme or some tips? Free is preferred or like, under $100.. . Thanks!.
July 30th, 2016 at 2:15 am
Hi great website! Does running a blog such as this require
a massive amount work? I have virtually no understanding
of coding however I had been hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyways,
should you have any recommendations or tips for new
blog owners please share. I understand this is off subject
but I just had to ask. Thanks!
November 16th, 2023 at 3:06 am
Definitely imagine that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the
web the simplest thing to take note of. I say to you,
I definitely get annoyed while folks think about concerns that they just do not know about.
You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the whole thing with no need
side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably
be back to get more. Thanks
November 18th, 2023 at 2:34 am
Wonderful article! That is the kind of information that should be shared across the web.
Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come
on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
November 19th, 2023 at 12:16 pm
Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The
clearness in your post is simply nice and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming
post. Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.
November 20th, 2023 at 2:43 am
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about depression affirmations.
Regards
November 28th, 2023 at 4:31 am
I’m impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and entertaining, and without a doubt,
you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue that too few folks are speaking intelligently
about. I am very happy that I came across this in my search for something relating to this.
December 27th, 2023 at 9:02 pm
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve take note your stuff previous to and you’re just
too fantastic. I actually like what you’ve bought here, certainly like what you are saying and
the way wherein you assert it. You are making it enjoyable and you
still take care of to stay it wise. I cant wait to read much more
from you. This is actually a terrific web site.
my website – Lahori Escort Service
February 2nd, 2024 at 12:28 pm
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
It is the little changes that will make the greatest changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
my web blog; Islamabad Escorts
February 2nd, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Really lots of valuable material!
my web blog; https://pk.islcallgirls.xyz/
February 7th, 2024 at 5:51 am
Hi Dear, are you genuinely visiting this site on a regular basis, if so afterward you will absolutely take fastidious experience.
February 12th, 2024 at 6:20 am
It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you simply shared this
helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this.
Thank you for sharing.
February 13th, 2024 at 11:25 pm
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over
again. Anyway, just wanted to say superb blog!
February 25th, 2024 at 4:05 am
Many thanks! Quite a lot of forum posts!
my blog post: https://pk.rwpqueens.com/
February 25th, 2024 at 8:10 am
Amazing lots of fantastic info.
Feel free to visit my webpage :: https://pk.isbqueens.com/islamabad-call-girls/
February 25th, 2024 at 6:30 pm
Thank you. A good amount of facts.
Here is my blog https://pk.lhrqueens.com/lahore-call-girls/
February 26th, 2024 at 9:58 pm
Really a good deal of valuable knowledge!
Here is my blog post :: https://pk.queenspk.com/escorts-in-lahore/
February 26th, 2024 at 10:08 pm
Good tips, Thanks.
my web site :: https://pk.modelqueens.xyz/karachi-escorts/
March 17th, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Whoa tons of wonderful tips.
Also visit my blog :: https://pk.karachiluxuryescort.xyz/karachi-call-girls/
March 19th, 2024 at 9:48 am
This is nicely put! .
Here is my site: https://pk.khibabes.xyz/
April 3rd, 2024 at 11:38 am
Appreciate it! Lots of info!
Check out my blog post – https://pk.babesinkarachi.com/
April 5th, 2024 at 1:13 pm
You expressed it superbly.
Look at my site; https://callgirlslahore.website/
April 8th, 2024 at 7:27 pm
Information effectively applied!!
Look at my page: http://boku-sui.net/cgi-hoi/mkakikomitai.cgi
Leave a Reply