Articles Written By Our Practice Brokers

U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that 106 new accountable care organizations (ACOs) have been formed to serve up to 4 million Medicare beneficiaries. Half of the ACOs are physician-led and about 20% serve rural and low-income communities. Fifteen new ACOs will participate in the Advanced Payment Model, bringing the total to 35 ACOs under this program. Medicare beneficiaries will continue to have the freedom to select their doctors, whether inside or outside the ACOs. Choosing doctors within the ACO will allow for better coordinated care and reduced utilization. According to HHS, ACO provisions are beginning to slow down the Medicare spending growth rate.