CMS Releases Additional Guidance for the MSSP Requirement to Report Promoting Interoperability Performance. Last year, CMS finalized requirements that MSSP ACOs report objectives and measures for the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Promoting Interoperability performance category beginning in CY 2025. The requirements generally state that, unless excluded, ACO participants must use Certified Electronic Health Record Technology (CEHRT) and report on objectives and measures for the performance period. CMS released additional guidance, providing information about the exclusions. A4H and other stakeholders have continued to engage with CMS to urge changes and additional clarity around this requirement and others that move to align ACO policy to MIPS, rather than alleviating burden for providers participating in accountable care models.

ACO Primary Care Flex Financial Methodology Updates. The CMS Innovation Center announced several updates to the model, including that it will delay the start date of claims reductions for primary care services until July 1, 2025; the advance shared savings payments and partial PPCP begin January 1, 2025. CMS also announced that it will use two rate books in performance year 2025 and released a revised version of the example calculations workbook, clarifying treatment of the health equity adjustment. A4H encourages organizations interested in the model to review the new workbook.

CMS Innovation Center Data-Sharing Strategy in Health Affairs. The article, Improving Participation In Value-Based Care—The CMS Innovation Center’s Data-Sharing Strategy Initiative, emphasizes the importance of data to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s (CMMI’s) efforts to develop innovative models and ultimately share data and apply lessons learned to CMS initiatives to improve value-based programs. The article highlights the agency’s focus on implementing its data strategy, expanding access to data for model participants, enhancing dashboard tools, and maintaining security and privacy. The agency notes that the strategy calls for partnerships, leaving room for “a natural evolution” in working with organizations participating in CMS Innovation Center models. The A4H Data and Technology Committee met with the Innovation Center team to discuss the strategy and looks forward to continuing the conversation to advance accountable care.

A4H Double Click on Accountable Care for Complex Population. Join us on September 10 in Washington, DC for our quarterly educational event. This session will focus on accountable care for complex populations, including speakers from CMS, Capitol Hill and our member companies:

• Pauline Lapin, Director, Seamless Care Models Group, CMMI
• Will Robinson, SVP Accountable Care, HarmonyCares
• Gary Bacher, Chief Strategy Officer, CINQCARE
• Thomas Lally, CEO & Founder, Bloom Healthcare
• Richard Fuller, Director of Research, Solventum
• Christopher Kelly, Legislative Assistant, Senator Blackburn

Click here to register  |  Agenda available here