A pair of senators on Dec. 14 introduced legislation to extend the advanced alternative payment model's incentive payments.
Four things to know:
1. The legislation, drafted by Sens. John Barrasso and Sheldon Whitehouse, would extend Medicare's 5 percent advanced alternative payment model's incentive payment for providers by another two years, according to a news release on Mr. Barasso's website. The incentive-based payments are set to expire at the end of 2022 if Congress does not extend the program.
2. The legislation maintains the current 50 percent advanced alternative payment model revenue threshold to incentivize providers to move toward value-based care, according to an American Medical Group Association news release shared with Becker's. The group has thrown its support behind the legislation.
3. The National Association of ACOs spearheaded a letter in September urging Congressional leaders to extend the incentive payments. The letter was signed by more than physician and healthcare associations, health systems, provider practices and accountable care organizations.
4. The groups stated in that letter that the incentive payments provided additional resources that have been used to fund wellness programs, patient transportation and meal programs, reduce cost sharing for beneficiaries and hire care coordinators.