The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently proposed regulations regarding the formation of accountable care organizations (ACOs). Part of a broader value-based purchasing initiative being adopted by CMS, ACOs are the mechanism through which the organization will implement the Shared Savings Program established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. CMS is accepting comments on the proposed rule through June 6, 2011.

On March 31, 2011, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed regulations regarding the formation of accountable care organizations (ACOs). ACOs are the mechanism through which CMS will implement the Shared Savings Program (SSP) established by Section 3022 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. ACOs are part of a broader value-based purchasing initiative being adopted by CMS in response to provisions of the act intended to promote the three aims of better care for individuals, better health for populations and lower growth in health care expenditures. ACO providers and suppliers that participate in the SSP would be ineligible to participate in certain other Medicare demonstration programs. CMS is accepting comments on the proposed rule through June 6, 2011.