A series of forums will provide information on the Next Generation ACO Model; a separate CMS webinar will outline the Medicare ACO Track 1+ Model.

Along with renewing ACOs, the 99 new organizations bring the total number of ACOs nationally to 480 in 2017.

The new Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation model aims to boost participation from small rural hospitals and other smaller health care practices.

CMS will partner with up to six states on the new Medicare-Medicaid ACO Model, which was designed by the CMS Innovation Center.

Of particular interest to members of America’s Essential Hospitals are changes to the Medicare Shared Savings Program and provisions related to telehealth.

The rule, released July 7, updates physician payment rates for Medicare services and makes changes to physician quality programs.

CMS requests feedback on a range of provisions relating to MIPS and incentives for participation in APMs, including whether to stratify quality measure data by demographic factors.

Nominations are due June 19. The work group will define terms related to alternative payment models and a strategy to track progress of APM implementation.

Roughly 48 percent of participating ACOs produced $121 million in total shared savings in 2013, with a net shared savings of $99 million

The call will provide an overview of the materials required for applying to the Medicare Shared Savings Program and lessons learned from previous program year application periods. Notices of intent due May 29, applications due July 31.

The model saved $384 million over a two-year time period and is the first alternative payment pilot to meet criteria for expansion to additional sites.

This new model will allow ACOs to take greater performance risks for greater financial reward, calls start March 31.

CMS will host a national provider call for ACOs interested in the 2016 program year.

Through CMS' new model, ACOs can take greater performance risk and receive a greater portion of savings through coordinated, high-quality care.

The Network will support the transition toward alternative payment models, using efforts in the Medicare Program as a guide.

Specifically, HHS will evaluate financial assistance programs, Medicaid expansion, pioneer ACOs, and marketplace payment systems.