“We are concerned that CMS’ proposals to shorten the glide path for new ACOs to assume financial risk from 6 years to 2 years, and to cut the shared savings rate from 50 to 25 percent, will have the unintended impact of impeding new ACO entry,” the lawmakers wrote. “To ensure that ACOs have a sufficient business case to participate in this voluntary program, we urge CM to modify these proposals in the final rule.”
In August, CMS issued a proposed rule to overhaul the MSSP, pushing ACOs to take on downside risk faster and simplify the program. The rule has had a mixed reception. More than a third of ACOs in the program said they would leave if the proposed rule takes effect.
The lawmakers told Ms. Verma the agency needs to ensure the MSSP “remains a workable option,” as the implementation of the Quality Payment Program is predicated on alternative payment models like ACOs.
More articles on accountable care:
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A third of MSSP ACOs may leave program under new rule, survey finds
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