Complimentary from the publisher

Complimentary from the publishers of Accountable Care News February 2020

"CMS officials have noted that ACOs that are forced into risk will generate greater savings for the [Medicare Shared Savings Program] program. I question that logic because in a voluntary program if an ACO is not ready to take on risk, then it will not stay in the program and generate greater savings. It will quit the program and not generate any savings."
- Allison Brennan, senior vice president of government affairs at the National Association of ACOs (NAACOS).

A report from Duke University notes that 61 Medicare Advantage plans have a home-based palliative care benefit in 2020, while only 15 did in 2019. However, this year 80% fewer plans offer caregiver support than in 2019.

Source: Accountable Care News, Volume 11 Number 2, February 2020, Washington Watch: "Duke Report: Plans Need ‘Rigorous Evidence’ of Palliative Care’s Cost-Effectiveness."

How cutting off subsidy payments to insurance companies would affect Obamacare

Strategies to Optimize ACO Performance

The ability for ACOs to continue to perform year over year requires strategies that allow for changes in healthcare delivery. In this webinar, Dr. Lawrence Schimmel, Chief Medical Officer of Clinigence Health, provides audiences with insight on how to meet and exceed performance benchmarks. From stratification of patient populations to provider performance reports, Dr. Schimmel demonstrates how technology can optimize ACO performance throughout the course of a contract, and beyond.

Check out HealthshareTV, the home for health care videos

	Chris Mazzolini and Logan Lutton: 5 ways the best ACOs work with physicians 1. Recruit physicians with a commitment to ACO goals. 2. Provide data for physicians. 3. Highlight quality measures and gaps in care. 4. Redesign office workflows. 5. Provide administrative and clinical support. Source: Medical Economics, February 21, 2020

Washington DC Watch: AHIP Says Transparency Proposal 'Fails to Advance Goals, Oversteps Authority'
Surveys & Trends: Players 'Search Beyond the Traditional to Identify Strategies, Address Underlying Causes'
ACOs re: CMS Metrics: 'Nailed 'Em'
Social Determinants of Health: CIGNA Loneliness Index Prompts 'Action to Improve Mental Wellness in America'
Industry News with briefs regarding the University of Vermont Health Network and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina




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