Tagged with ACO Accountable Care Organizations
CMS Provides MIPS Reporting Relief and Extension
CMS is issuing an extension to the 2019 data submission deadline through April 30, 2020. Specifically, the agency is granting exceptions from reporting requirements and extensions for clinicians and providers participating in Medicare quality reporting programs with respect to upcoming measure reporting and data submission.
CMS Announces New Medicare Primary Care Payment Model
CMS, along with the HHS, has announced plans to launch five new Medicare primary pare payment models.
2020 ACO Application Timeline Released
CMS has announced the date it will start accepting notices of intent to apply to participate in the overhaul of the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) – which is now being called ‘Pathways to Success.’
CMS Releases CY 2019 Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
On November 1, CMS released its Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule for calendar year (CY) 2019. The latest update includes changes to the Quality Payment Program as well as documentation and payment adjustments for evaluation and management services.
Maryland Report Shows All-Payer Model Reduces Admissions, Lowers Costs
According to a new state report, the state of Maryland has seen reductions in hospital admissions and increased cost savings in the first three years since moving forward with its All-Payer Hospital Model.
Massachusetts Introduces New Medicaid Rules
Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, MassHealth, has implemented major changes to the structure of the program, including shifting to accountable care organizations, allowing health care providers to address social determinants of health, and reimbursements will be tied to provider performance.
Department of Health and Human Services Announces Future Changes to Provider Reimbursements
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced its plans to overhaul the way the federal government reimburses providers. The Department states, in an effort to improve technology and transparency, it will make changes to interoperability, price transparency, and care delivery through Medicare and Medicaid, and remove regulations that hinder private innovation.
Massachusetts – HPC Certifies 17 Health Care Organizations through New ACO Program
In an effort to bring transparency and to identify best practices and areas for improvement, the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) has announced a first-of-its-kind, state-wide, all-payer initiative. Seventeen organizations have already been certified though the state’s new Accountable Care Organization (ACO) certification program.
Performance Year 2018 Medicare Shared Savings Program ACOs Announced
CMS has released the updated Accountable Care Organization (ACO) list for the 2018 performance year of the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).
MA – New Health Model Helps Identify Social Determinants
Massachusetts Medicaid administrator, MassHealth, is taking an innovative approach to control costs through implementation of a new health model that helps identify and address social determinants of health.
MA – New State Budget Establishes Fees to Counter Rising Health Care Costs
Massachusetts lawmakers recently approved an annual budget, in a 140-9 House vote, that will incorporate fees on businesses to be used to cover the state’s ever-rising health care costs.
Senate Finance Committee Approves Chronic Care Bill
The Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed the Creating High-Quality Results and Outcomes Necessary to Improve Chronic (CHRONIC) Care Act of 2017. The legislation seeks to expand telehealth services to Medicaid populations and has received a favorable score by the Congressional Budget Office.
CMS gives over 800K Physicians Reprieve from MACRA Reporting in 2017
CMS has sent over 800,000 letters to clinicians, with notification that they will not be evaluated under the MACRA Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) in 2017. Federal officials predict only about one-third of clinicians will have to file quality reports this year under the new Medicare payment system.
Congress to Revisit Telehealth for Chronic Care Legislation
The CHRONIC Care Act of 2017 was reintroduced to Congress this month. The proposed bill targets Medicare payment reform for chronic disease management services and would promote the use of telehealth by eliminating geographic restrictions on telestroke consult services, expand telehealth coverage under MA part B, and give ACOs more flexibility to use telehealth services.
CMS Pediatric Care Improvement RFI Extension Announced
CMS announced that it will extend the deadline for comments on the Request for Information (RFI) seeking input on the design of alternative payment models (APMs) focused on improving the health of children and youth covered by Medicaid and CHIP through April 7.
2018 ACO Application Cycle Details Announced
CMS released key deadlines and other important application cycle details information for applying to become a Next Generation ACO or Medicare Shared Savings Program ACO with a 2018 start date.
NJ – Study Reveals Findings on State Medicaid ACO Demonstration
The Rutgers University, Center for State Health Policy has released a ‘Year 1’ report of the New Jersey’s Medicaid ACO demonstration, with an assessment of ACO operations and care management strategies.
VT – State All-Payer ACO Model to Kick Off with Medicaid Pilot
CMS has granted a broad-based waiver to Vermont which gives the state the authority to initiate an all-payer ACO pilot aimed at serving 30,000 of the state’s 190,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in 2017.
VT – ACO Pilot Project Announced
Vermont has entered into a one year agreement with OneCare to launch an ACO pilot program serving 30,000 Medicaid beneficiaries.
New Final Rule Targets Pass-Through Payments
CMS’ newest Medicaid managed care final rule will prevent increases in pass-through payments as well as the addition of new pass-through payments beyond those in place when the pass-through payment transition periods were established.
