CMS is gearing up for the program year 2016 Medicare Shared Savings Program, under which physicians, hospitals, and certain other types of providers and suppliers may form Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to provide cost-effective, coordinated care to Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. CMS has posted the deadlines for applying to the program for 2016 (the notice of intent deadline is May 29, 2015, and the application deadline is July 31, 2015). In addition, CMS is hosting an April 7, 2015 call to discuss organizational structure and governance requirements, antitrust considerations, and the application process for January 2016 starters.  An April 21 call will cover ACO participant agreements, ACO participant lists, and beneficiary assignment.