The National Association of ACOs found more than a third of ACOs said they are likely to leave the Medicare Shared Savings Program if a proposed rule takes effect.
Here are five things to know:
1. CMS issued a proposed rule Aug. 9 that would make sweeping changes to MSSP, including overhauling the way ACOs share in risks and rewards. The redesigned program — which CMS dubbed "Pathways to Success" — would expand ACO participation agreements from three years to five years and offer eligible ACOs two participation options: "basic" and "enhanced."
2. The basic track would allow ACOs to participate under an upside-only agreement for one to two years before gradually phasing in higher levels of risk. Under the enhanced track, ACOs would take on risk and qualify as advanced APMs immediately.
3. NAACOS' online poll of 127 member ACOs found only 27 percent supported the proposal. More than 60 percent opposed the rule.
4. The plurality of ACOs said the biggest challenge they would face under the new rule would be a cut in shared savings rates from 50 percent to as low as 25 percent.
5. Over half (55 percent) of respondents identified the ability to choose an assignment methodology each year, regardless of MSSP track or level, as the biggest opportunity for ACOs under the proposal.
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