Health Reform and HITECH Implementation after the Election: commentary and interviews by Neal Neuberger. (Part 2).  

Following last week’s “post-election” interviews, Neal Neuberger was able to catch up to Debbie Witchey, of the Healthcare Leadership Council.

NN: Do you see any changes to health care reform happening as a result of the elections?

Witchey: There will be efforts to slow the implementation process.  The independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB) could possibly be repealed or modified.   It will be difficult to withhold funding on a large scale for implementation, but it could be done piecemeal to slow down progress.  Also, with the gubernatorial elections we see the change in many governors which could slow the progress on state implementation of exchanges and other state-focused provisions (even if they support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – PPACA)  because of transition of key staff.

NN: How do you see the change over in Chairmanships affecting the process?

Witchey: Reportedly less control from leadership offices is Boehner’s plan, so committees will follow regular order.  However, the focus will be on slowing down the (PPACA) implementation and will take on a heavy oversight role that has not been the case under Dem leadership.

NN:  Thanks for your time, and we want to stay in touch throughout the next Congressional Session