Medicare ACO program announces application deadlines

Beginning June 11, hospitals, physicians and other eligible providers may submit notices of intent to apply to participate in the Jan. 1, 2020 start date for the Medicare Shared Savings Program. Applicants must submit a notice of intent by June 28 at 12 p.m. ET to apply to the Basic or Enhanced track of the program, for a waiver of the skilled nursing facility three-day rule, or to establish and operate a beneficiary incentive program. Each MSSP accountable care organization should submit only one notice of intent, and will have an opportunity to make changes to their tracks, repayment mechanisms and other related information during the application submission period, which will begin July 1 and run through July 29 at 12 p.m. ET. ACOs also may submit sample ACO participant agreements and other documentation with the notice to receive feedback from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services before the application period opens. For more information, see the application toolkit or email SSPACO_Applications@cms.hhs.gov.