GAO Appoints Amol Navathe As Chair Of Medicare Advisory Commission

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Dr. Amol Navathe has been appointed as the new Chair of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), with his term extending through April 2029. An internal medicine physician and professor of medical ethics, health policy, and healthcare management at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Navathe has conducted extensive research on provider behavior and Medicare payment models. His selection brings a familiar face to the leadership role, as he previously served on the commission from 2019 to 2022 and as Vice Chair from 2022 to 2025.

The announcement came from Orice W. Brown, the Acting Comptroller General of the United States and head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Reflecting on the commission’s long-standing impact, Brown stated, “For nearly three decades, MedPAC has served as an independent, nonpartisan advisory body for Congress covering the full range of critical issues facing the Medicare program.” She further expressed her outlook on the transition, noting, “I am confident that the new leadership, in collaboration with commission members and staff, will continue to support congressional deliberations with robust, evidence-based information and recommendations.”

Beyond the appointment of Dr. Navathe, the GAO solidified its leadership roster by naming Gregory Poulsen of Intermountain Health as Vice Chair through 2028. The commission also expanded its ranks by adding two new members, Benedic Ippolito of the American Enterprise Institute and Danielle Pierotti of Mount Marty University. Additionally, incumbent members Tamara Konetzka and Brian Miller were reappointed to the body, with all four members set to serve through April 2029.

MedPAC was originally established by Congress in 1997 to act as an independent, nonpartisan advisor. The commission is charged with evaluating the complexities of the Medicare program, including analyzing access to care, cost-efficiency, and quality benchmarks. Its scope of oversight remains expansive, encompassing both Medicare’s traditional fee-for-service model and the various health plans participating in Medicare Advantage.