The Medicare Shared Savings Program added about 40 new ACOs, effective July 1, according to the National Association of ACOs.
The new entrants mark a decline from the program's first seven years, when the program averaged more than 100 new ACOs each year. In total, the MSSP program lost 43 ACOs this year, with a total of 518 now participating in the program.
The new ACOs bring 400,000 beneficiaries into the program, while prior years have brought in more than a million new beneficiaries each year, according to the NAACOs.
"CMS made significant changes to the ACO program last year, a number of which were met with concern by the ACO industry, such as reduced shared savings opportunities and a faster pace to risk," according to NAACOs. "The new 'Pathways to Success' program structure is in place as of this month, though existing ACOs had the option to complete their current agreement periods under the previous rules before shifting to the new program structure."
ACOs can join the program again in January 2020.
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