In 2014, CMS launched the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment Program, an optional federal Medicaid waiver program for states with high Medicaid expenses. The program provides states with significant funding that can be used to support hospitals and other providers as they aim to improve how they provide care to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Under DSRIP initiatives, eligible entities must meet certain metrics or milestones to receive funds. Each state's DSRIP varies, but there is a focus on redesign or infrastructure development and meeting more outcomes-based metrics in population and clinical health-based improvements, according to Kaiser Family Foundation. To support these metrics, the DSRIP waivers enforce data collection and reporting requirements on providers.
According to a recent abfjournal article, the three largest DSRIP programs are in California, Texas and New York, each with more than $5 billion in funding. Other states currently participating are Kansas, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. California's DSRIP program is focused on public hospitals, while the Texas program includes various provider types in addition to some non-providers. New York's DSRIP program will take effect in April, and will be open to Medicaid- serving healthcare providers and non-providers. According to the report, New York's broad program may lead other states to expand the DSRIP program, effectively making the programs a bridge to improving healthcare delivery.
As the DSRIP program continues to evolve and more states and providers participate, more challenges will arise. In a March 25 webinar sponsored by Caradigm, two executives will discuss several challenges DSRIP programs pose for providers and strategies for success.
Vicki Harter, vice president of product management of Caradigm, and Todd D. Ellis, managing director – KPMG technology enablement will give an overview of DSRIP goals, challenges that arise from the complexity of data consolidation and normalization, access to real-time data for performance management and care intervention for patients. Finally, Ms. Harter and Mr. Ellis will deliver criteria to consider for successful implementation and maintenance of DSRIP programs.
To register for the webinar, click here.