Next week, MedPAC kicks off its 2014-2015 year of public meetings. The agenda will be posted later today, but if you are new to the Commission, or a casual follower, you might wonder how the process works. Here’s a quick primer on MedPAC meetings.
The Commission meets publicly seven times a year (2014 dates listed here) to discuss Medicare issues and to develop and approve reports and recommendations to the Congress. The meetings take place at the Ronald Reagan Building International Trade Center in the Horizon Ballroom. They usually last about 1 ½ days.
At public meetings, MedPAC staff present research and policy options for the Commissioners to discuss. The agenda items change from month to month and vary based on our work cycle. For example, the December and January meetings focus on material that will be published in our March Report to Congress. The topics discussed at public meetings are influenced by our Congressional mandate and inquiries from the Congress, as well as by Commissioners’ interests and priorities. Public meetings typically include between six and eight sessions, each dealing with an individual topic. Every session begins with a presentation by MedPAC staff, followed by time for Commissioners to ask questions about the information presented and discuss policy options as warranted. If the Commission is required or opts to make recommendations, draft recommendations are discussed and votes are taken in public.
Interested individuals or groups may email comments on the Commission’s agenda through the Public Meetings page of medpac.gov. In addition, stakeholders are always welcome to request a meeting with MedPAC staff. Finally, all Commission meetings include opportunities for public comment, usually following each block of sessions (e.g., Thursday morning, Thursday afternoon). Those wishing to comment may make very brief public statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register for the meeting if I wish to attend in person?
No registration is necessary, and anyone may attend. Seating is first come, first served. Long lines may form during our more heavily attended meetings, and staff will do their best to accommodate as many attendees as can safely enter the meeting room.
When will I know what is on the MedPAC meeting agenda?
Meeting agendas are typically posted a week prior to the meeting on the Public Meetings page of medpac.gov. If you subscribe to our email list, you will receive an email with the agenda as well.
When are the slide presentations available to the public?
Paper handouts with the meeting slides are available for each presentation during the session it is presented. PDF versions of the slides are available on our website shortly after the meeting concludes.
How do I follow the meeting if I cannot attend in person?
You can access the full transcript of the meetings at medpac.gov a few days following the meeting.
Have other questions about our public meeting process? Email us at blogcomments@medpac.gov.
