The Pioneer ACO Model was designed for healthcare organizations and providers already experienced in coordinating care for patients across care settings as well as engaging in outcomes-based contracting.
The Pioneer Model allows provider groups to move more rapidly from a shared savings payment model to a population-based payment model on a track consistent with, but separate from the Medicare Shared Service Program.
The Pioneer Model is now entering its third performance year with 23 organizations. In addition to aggressive risk arrangements, CMS offers eligible Pioneer ACOs the opportunity to transition from fee-for-service payments to monthly population-based payments.
More and more healthcare organizations are beginning to hone their skills in care coordination and engage in outcomes-based contracting. Therefore the CMS Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation is seeking input on whether CMS should to open a second Request for Applications for the next generation ACO initiatives.
CMS wants to know if additional healthcare organizations would be interested in applying to the Pioneer ACO model and why or why not. CMS would also like to know if CMS solicits additional applicants for the Pioneer ACO model, should the agency limit the number of selected organizations or simply accept all organizations that meet the qualifying criteria. Also, CMS would like to hear from stakeholders on new ACO models that would encourage greater care integration and financial accountability.
Go to http://innovation.cms.gov/Files/x/Pioneer-RFI.pdf for more details, or go to the Pioneer ACO web page at http://innovations.cms.govinitiatives/Pioneer-ACO-Model. Responses need to be submitted to CMS by March 1, 2014. For questions email PioneerACO@cms.hhs.gov.