CAPG recently submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) encouraging the agency to move forward with two alternative payment models to proliferate high quality, low cost care. The comments were submitted in response to a request for information seeking feedback on the future of the CMS Innovation Center (Innovation Center).   

In its comments, CAPG is recommending that the agency test a new and improved Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model, which would feature capitated payments to physician organizations and additional tools to help patients in ACOs choose the care that best meets their needs. 

CAPG also sets out a specific model for CMS to test an advanced alternative payment model (APM) in Medicare Advantage (MA).  Both demonstrations would also allow entities participating in these models to qualify as bonus-eligible advanced APMs under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).

“The models we are recommending have a strong track record of improving care and lowering costs, and serve as real-life examples of what works in the real world today,” said Don Crane, CAPG President and CEO.  “We call on CMS to swiftly implement our recommendations as part of its effort to identify and encourage the development of risk based and value oriented delivery models.”

The Innovation Center was established by the Affordable Care Act to allow Medicare and Medicaid to test new and innovative models that better align payment systems to support patient-centered practices, improve the quality of care provided, and lower costs for patients and the system as a whole.  The Innovation Center tests these models on a limited scale with the ultimate goal of expanding the scope and duration of successful modes nationwide. 

View the RFI here and CAPG’s submitted comments here.