Improve Care in Medicare by Growing Primary Care in ACOs
The Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) is the oldest Medicare value-based payment model currently in operation, with more than 10 years of experience and related data. Authorized in 2010 in the Affordable Care Act, MSSP is not a temporary demonstration model. It is a voluntary program for providers, and beneficiaries are free to seek care from any provider participating in traditional Medicare.
Clinicians and other providers participate in MSSP by forming accountable care organizations (ACOs). ACOs sign agreements with CMS taking responsibility for quality and total cost outcomes for a specific population of beneficiaries attributed to the ACO’s participating primary care clinicians.
Both CMS and Congress have made changes to MSSP since its inception, yet two program results have remained constant:
- “Physician-led” ACOs generate greater savings on average when measured in percentage and per beneficiary terms.
- ACO performance improves with duration in MSSP.