Here’s what you need to know.
1. The model mirrors the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and advances efforts to collaborate with states to “transform” healthcare delivery systems.
CMS’ Acting Principal Deputy Administrator Patrick Conway, MD, said the model will improve care coordination lessening the amount of administrative work for physicians.
“In the long run, this partnership will result in healthier people and smarter spending,” Dr. Conway said.
2. CMS created the model to award quality of care and not quantity, and is in line with value-based care initiatives.
3. Under the current model, ACOs aren’t held financially accountable for Medicaid expenditures. Under this new model, the ACOs will focus on quality of care and Medicare and Medicaid costs.
4. CMS is accepting letters of intent from states that want to create “state specific” elements of the model. The ACO model is open to all states in the U.S.
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