CMS Issues Q&A on ACOs; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Expected in the Fall - June 9, 2010

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a question and answer document on implementation of Medicare accountable care organizations (ACOs) and Medicare shared savings program, as created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. ACOs are groups of health care providers that agree to be responsible for quality, costs, and overall care of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in traditional fee-for-service plans. According to CMS, the Secretary of Health and Human Services will be responsible for establishing quality performance standards. A notice of proposed rulemaking on ACOs and Medicare shared savings is slated to be released in Fall 2010, and the program should be established by January 1, 2012. This summer, CMS will hold a listening session for stakeholders to provide their feedback. Details on the listening session will be posted online by June 11.