HHS announces new incentives for providers to work together through Accountable Care Organizations when caring for Medicare beneficiaries
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released final regulations regarding Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). These additional changes were based on over 1,300 comments received after the spring proposal of the rule. ACOs are designed to increase the efficiency of care delivery and payment, which in effect would save federal healthcare dollars and improve patient care. This offers another option for healthcare providers to collaborate in the care of Medicare beneficiaries. However, unlike managed care plans, Medicare patients will not be required to see a restricted group of physicians.