Easing risk, CMS seeks to entice new entrants in Shared Savings program

Why This Topic Matters

The proposed changes could affect how ACOs enter and progress through MSSP participation levels, how quality performance is measured, and how health equity factors influence shared savings. The article also highlights reporting and operational shifts that may matter for organizations preparing for all-payer electronic quality reporting and other CMS program changes.

Article Sections

1. CMS eases risk requirements

   Discusses proposed changes to MSSP participation structures, agreement periods, and shared savings access for different types of ACO entrants and returnees. It also summarizes related investment and payment support concepts for certain participants.

2. Assignment shifts

   Covers proposed updates related to beneficiary assignment inputs, provider information collection, and the data sources used in program administration. The section focuses on operational and reporting changes tied to assignment methodology.

3. Performance scoring and shared savings

   Reviews proposed changes to quality performance scoring, shared savings calculations, and the transition toward all-payer electronic reporting. It also addresses program timing, reporting adoption, and related measurement adjustments.

4. Equity adjustment

   Summarizes the proposed health equity adjustment and the broad factors CMS says would influence it. The section also notes associated benchmarking and technical updates, along with a few program simplifications.