The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today released proposed new rules for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). According to the HHS press release, ACOs create incentives for health care providers—including doctors, hospitals, and other providers—to work together to treat an individual patient across care settings such as doctor’s offices, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. The Medicare Shared Savings Program will reward ACOs that lower health care costs while meeting performance standards on quality of care and putting patients first. Patient and provider participation in an ACO is purely voluntary. Read the full rules and get more information.
CRHC will be working closely with our national partners including the National Rural Health Association and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health regarding the implications for rural providers and communities and on public comment. We will keep you informed with information, analysis, and opportunities to weigh in as they become available.
