“Accountable Care Organizations saved Medicare $1.7 billion in 2018, netting $739 in net savings after bonuses and payment losses were distributed in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP).”
“The latest CMS data underscores that ACOs are continuing to lower Medicare spending and provide high-quality care, serving nearly 11 million seniors last year. ACOs had an average quality score of almost 93%. The net savings across 548 ACOs reached $739.4 million, with organizations that received shared savings bonuses reporting decreases in inpatient, emergency room and post-acute care spending and utilization.”
“The results come after CMS finalized major changes to the ACO program, forcing participants in the MSSP to take on financial downside risk sooner. The overhaul, known as the Pathways to Success, began in July 2019, requires ACOs to take downside risk after just two years.”
“The changes were drastic enough that a mass exodus of ACOs from the program was predicted. However, the program actually grew, according to CMS, with the approval of 206 ACOs. The percentage of ACOs taking on downside risk grew from 19% to 29% as a result. The second application cycle has a Jan. 1, 2020 start date…” Read the full article here.
Source: ACOs saved Medicare $1.7B in 2018 – By Amy Baxter, October 1, 2019. HealthExec.
