The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers who collaborate with the aim of coordinating high-quality care to people with Medicare. When an ACO succeeds in both delivering high-quality care and spending health care dollars more wisely, the ACO may be eligible to share in the savings it achieves for the Medicare program (also known as performance payments).
In Phase 1 of the application process, ACOs must submit applications through the Accountable Care Organization Management System. Certain new ACOs, including those in rural areas, may be eligible for Advance Incentive Payments, which include an upfront payment of $250,000 and two years of quarterly payments.
The Application Toolkit provides detailed information for the upcoming application submission cycle and questions can be emailed to SharedSavingsProgram@cms.hhs.gov.
Applications are due on June 12 at Noon Eastern.