Some Pioneer ACOs Exit Program

CMS issued a press release on July 16, 2013 detailing results from the Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations.  The report showed positive results for some of the Pioneer ACO’s who both higher quality care and lower Medicare expenditures.  Made possible by the Affordable Care Act, the Pioneer ACO Model encourages providers and caregivers to deliver more coordinated care for Medicare beneficiaries. This model, launched by the CMS Innovation Center, is part of the Affordable Care Act’s efforts to realign payment incentives, promoting high quality, efficient care for Medicare beneficiaries.  ACOs, including the Pioneer ACO Model and the Medicare Shared Savings Program, are one way CMS is providing options to providers looking to better coordinate care for patients and use health care dollars more wisely.  

The news was not all positive.  7 Pioneer ACOs that did not produce savings have notified CMS that they intend to apply to the Medicare Shared Savings Program – another ACO model.  2 Pioneer ACOs have indicated to CMS their intent to leave the program.  Overall, more than 250 organizations participate in the Pioneer ACO Model and the Medicare Shared Savings Program, serving 4 million Medicare beneficiaries, and more ACOs can join the Shared Savings Program each January.

For more information please uses the following link:

http://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Press-Releases/2013-Press-Releases-Items/2013-07-16.html