Early Evidence On Medicare ACOs And Next Steps For The Medicare ACO Program

Conclusion These early results support the thoughtful examination taking place now on how MSSP can better achieve its key health care reform goals. While half of MSSP ACOs have been able to reduce spending in year one, and the program has achieved significant overall savings and even more notable quality results, further changes will be needed for MSSP to attract and sustain organizations that are effectively reforming care. Many ACOs are seeking more certainty about their financial performance and prospects for savings before committing to two-sided risk and making larger investments in redesigning care. Organizations that can improve care and lower costs need a clearer and more sustainable path beyond the current two tracks. CMS has solicited comment on a broad range of improvements to the program. MSSP ACOs and those working with them must take this opportunity to submit formal comments to encourage CMS to address these issues in the development of its final rule. The future of the Medicare ACO program depends on it. Editor’s note: Please note that the empirical analyses discussed in this post have not been subjected to external peer review.
Source: Health Affairs Blog - Category: Health Management Authors: Tags: All Categories Health Care Costs Health Reform Hospitals Insurance Medicare Payment Physicians Policy Quality Spending Source Type: blogs