CMS Delay ’s Full MACRA Implementation to the Next Administration

In a blog post, CMS announced changes to the Medicare Access & CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) that will allow physician practices to choose the level and pace at which they comply with the new payment reform model aimed at emphasizing quality patient care over volume. The announcement comes after pressure from industry stakeholders and policymakers to ease implementation of MACRA, which is set to start January 1, 2017. We previously reported that CMS was considering a potential MACRA delay, and this appears to be what the agency will finalize in its November rule. The Announcement Acting CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt announced that the final MACRA regulation will exempt physicians from any risk of penalties if they choose one of three distinct MIPS reporting options in 2017, in addition to the option of participating in an advanced APM: Full-year reporting that begins on January 1; Partial year reporting for a reduced number of days; and A "test" option under which physicians can report minimal amounts of data.   Physicians who report in 2017 may be eligible for bonus payments in 2019, depending on which option they choose.  Those who opt for full-year reporting will be eligible to receive a "modest positive payment adjustment;" those who choose partial year reporting will be eligible for a "small positive payment adjustment."  Physicians who choose the "test" option will not be subject to a...
Source: Policy and Medicine - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs