Providers interested in the professional or global options under the new Primary Cares Initiative must submit a nonbinding letter of intent by Aug. 2.

The Primary Cares Initiative comprises five new voluntary payment model options under two paths. The new models build on the experience of the Medicare Shared Savings Program and Next Generation Accountable Care Organization model.

As the president prepares to deliver his State of the Union address this week, Congressional committees remain focused on health care costs and threats to the Affordable Care Act.

CMS has released a no-cost resource to help patients access care after signing up for coverage on the health insurance marketplaces.

The Comprehensive Primary Care Plus model will encourage primary care practices to transform care delivery, including by increasing care management and coordination.

Federal grants to 24 states will promote better integration of behavioral health and primary care services and improve quality and data reporting systems. The grants are the first phase of a Section 223 Demonstration Program for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

There is particular interest in mechanisms for greater comprehensiveness in care delivery, care for complex patients, care coordination, and value-driven reimbursement.

Though the payment bump has reportedly increased access to care in some states, it appears unlikely that this ACA provision will be extended beyond 2014.

What impact has section 1202 of the Affordable Care Act, also know as the primary care bump, had on your hospital?

Congress should ensure Medicaid pays at least Medicare rates for primary care until at least 2016, said 22 groups in a June 10 letter to congressional leadership.

The final rule implements the Affordable Care Act's primary care payment bump