Reimbursement: ACOs: Understand The 5 Big Changes In The MSSP Final Rule

Why This Topic Matters

CMS policy changes in the MSSP can affect ACO participation decisions, financial risk, reporting workflows, and care management operations. Understanding the scope of these updates helps organizations evaluate program impact and prepare for implementation.

Article Sections

1. Get Another Round of Track 1 Time

   Overview of an additional agreement period option under the MSSP and the general participation conditions discussed for existing ACOs.

2. Take a Look at the New Track 3

   Discussion of a new risk-based MSSP track, related participation features, and other track-level program changes described in the article.

3. Take the Pain Out of Beneficiary Assignment

   Summary of revisions to beneficiary assignment methodology and related timing, specialty, and primary care service updates.

4. Enjoy Streamlined Data Sharing

   Explanation of changes to the process for beneficiary claims data access and the general notification workflow described by CMS.

5. How Your Financial Benchmarks Will Change

   Overview of benchmark rebasing and related methodology changes for subsequent agreement periods under the program.

6. Are Final Rule’s Changes Enough?

   Closing discussion of stakeholder reactions and broader commentary on whether the policy changes are sufficient for program participation and adoption.