Q&As on ACA Medicare "Accountable Care Organization" Shared Savings Program
CMS’s Office of Legislation has released preliminary questions and answers on the ACA’s provisions to encourage the development of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to facilitate coordination and cooperation among providers to improve the quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries and reduce unnecessary costs. Participating ACOs that meet specified quality performance standards will be eligible to receive a share of Medicare savings if established criteria are met. CMS anticipates holding an “open door forum” listening session this summer to solicit stakeholder ideas. CMS expects to issue a proposed rule to implement the program this fall, and the program is slated to begin by January 1, 2012.
