Network reports on health plan adoption of alternative payment models

Nearly 25% of health plan payments are in alternative payment models aimed at promoting quality and value, according to a study of more than 70 health plans in the commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid markets, released today by the Health Care Payment Learning & Action Network. The Department of Health and Human Services launched the public-private partnership in 2015 to help advance its goal of tying 30% of U.S. health care payments to APMs by the end of 2016. Medicare fee-for-service payments achieved the 30% goal in January 2015. Patrick Conway, M.D., chief medical officer for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said the agency “now wants to work with the private sector to reach our goal of 50% of payments in these models by the end of 2018.” CMS today said it plans to allow new entrants to its Comprehensive Primary Care Plus and Next Generation Alternative Care Organization models for the 2018 performance year.