CMS plans to introduce an all-payer ACO model in Vermont in January 2017, according to RevCycle Intelligence.
Here are six things to know:
1. Vermont will be the first state to implement a voluntary all-payer ACO model, aligning with Medicare, Medicaid and commercial payers.
2. With this new model, CMS wants to see if payers can incentivize quality improvements by reimbursing Vermont providers within the same payment structure.
3. The new model will align "quality measures, financial risk structures, payment mechanisms and beneficiary alignment methodologies," according to RevCycle Intelligence.
4. A six-year model, the new ACO will undergo a transitional performance in 2017. CMS will aid Vermont with $9.5 million to assist providers with care coordination improvements as well as collaboration with community-based providers.
5. In 2018 eligible ACOs will have the choice to join the Vermont All-Payer ACO model, with the state being accountable for statewide ACO scale financial and patient outcome benchmarks.
6. Under the new model, Vermont will cut annual per capita healthcare spending growth by 3.5 percent for major payers as well as limit Medicare spending growth to 0.1 percentage points to 0.2 percentage points below national Medicare spending growth.