Statement from Valinda Rutledge, Vice President of Federal Affairs, America's Physician Groups

 “We applaud Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma for her agency's hard work in redesigning the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) through the "Pathways to Success" final rule.  The rule addresses many of the challenges facing both Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and CMS in further advancing the value movement.

"However, we remain concerned with the short application window for the July 1 cohort, who will have between January 22 and February 19 to submit their applications.  We believe that this short period in time does not allow ACOs the time they need to model the new options outlined in the final rule or prepare for successful participation.

"While we look forward to working with CMS to strengthen and improve MSSP, we urge CMS to extend the application window and push back the deadline."

Please click here to view a copy of a letter from APG to Administrator Verma.