September 21, 2016
AMGA Applauds Legislation to Improve Federal ACO ProgramNewswise — ALEXANDRIA, VA – Today, U.S. Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced AMGA-supported legislation, the ACO Improvement Act of 2016, to improve the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) by reforming the rules for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). The legislation includes many policy changes recommended by AMGA. Specifically, the legislation encourages care coordination by allowing Track 1 ACOs the option of prospective attribution, reduces regulatory burdens for these ACOs by waiving the telehealth site-of-service requirements, and encourages patient engagement by allowing these ACOs the ability to waive cost sharing for primary care services. The legislation also would extend regulatory relief to Track 2 ACOs by waiving the Medicare three-day inpatient qualifying stay for the skilled nursing facility benefit and home health homebound requirements. All of these modifications were part of AMGA’s recommendations to improve the Medicare Shared Savings Program.
“We thank Reps. Diane Black and Peter Welch for their leadership on this legislation aimed at improving the ACO program for patients and providers,” said AMGA President and CEO Donald W. Fisher, Ph.D., CAE. More than 100 AMGA members joined MSSP and they have improved care and reduced costs; however, they have struggled with outdated requirements. The suggested policy changes are a positive step that will improve the long term viability of the MSSP program. We look forward to continuing to work with the sponsors, Congress, and the Administration on improving the ACO program.”
About AMGAAMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of health care in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of our members’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, high-value care. More than 170,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans. For more information, visit amga.org
RSS