MSSP: ACOs: Get Ready for CMS to Change the Way It Rebases Your Benchmark

Why This Topic Matters

Benchmarking changes can affect ACO performance comparisons and shared savings calculations, so organizations participating in MSSP need to understand when the revised methodology takes effect and what general categories of adjustments CMS is making.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the new MSSP final rule

   Introduces the CMS final rule and the overall shift in how ACO benchmarks will be reset under the Medicare Shared Savings Program.

2. First agreement period benchmarking methodology

   Summarizes the baseline approach CMS will continue to use for initial benchmarking in the first agreement period and the broad types of expenditure factors involved.

3. What’s new: rebasing methodology for later agreement periods

   Describes the revised approach CMS will use when benchmarks are reset in second or subsequent agreement periods and the major categories of changes in the methodology.