CMS announces new Medicare-Medicaid ACO model

On Thursday, CMS announced the creation of a new ACO model geared toward patients who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, also known as dual eligible. Dual eligible patients typically have more complex health needs, chronic conditions and social issues than the general Medicare population.  Consequently, they account for a disproportionate share of spending in […]

CMS Direct Contracting Models Offer Promise of Expediting Shift to Value-Based Care

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Direct Contracting (DC) Model Options, a new set of voluntary payment models announced this week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Medicare fee-for-service patients and their health care providers, represent a major step forward for population health management and value-based care. Based […]

Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) Programs Boost the Safety Net

Seven states have adopted the federally approved Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program, but they can’t agree on the details. What they can come to a consensus on is the goal. As the health care industry increasingly shifts toward a system that aligns quality and value with reimbursement incentives and financial penalties, some hospitals […]

Call to Action Engaging Physicians to Drive Quality

It is no trade secret that physicians drive quality and medical spend in the health care industry. Across the nation, health systems, independent physician associations (IPAs), and accountable care organizations (ACOs) are challenged to effectively partner with their physicians to achieve high-quality outcomes and reduce the total cost of care. Those organizations mostsuccessful in managing […]