CMS pushes ACOs to take on risk with overhaul of MSSP: 7 things to know

CMS issued a proposed rule Aug. 9 that would make sweeping changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program, including overhauling the way ACOs share in risks and rewards.

Here are seven things to know about the proposed rule:

1. The redesigned program — which CMS has dubbed “Pathways to Success” — would expand ACO participation agreements from three years to five years and offer eligible ACOs two participation options: “basic” and “enhanced.”

2. The basic track would allow ACOs to participate under an upside-only agreement for one to two years before gradually phasing in higher levels of risk. MSSP ACOs are currently permitted to participate in the upside-only track for up to six years.

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