CAPG applauds 21 organizations selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in the Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model. The Next Generation ACO model was designed to further advance and evolve the concepts of accountable, coordinated care in traditional Medicare.

The participating organizations are “experienced in coordinating care for populations of patients and whose provider groups are ready to assume higher levels of financial risk and reward,” the agency stated. Notably, the Next Generation model will make available a capitated payment option in 2017 and will allow voluntary beneficiary participation in ACO models.

“This is an exciting next step in the evolution of coordinated care in traditional Medicare,” said Donald Crane, President and CEO of CAPG. “Capitated payment and enhanced beneficiary engagement are key features that CAPG has long called on CMS to adopt,” he added. “We’re pleased to see that the agency will begin testing these new elements of coordinated, accountable care.”

“CAPG looks forward to continuing to work with CMS to advance accountable care organization models and other innovative payment and delivery models in the future.”

For more information on the Next Generation model, visit the CMS website: https://innovation.cms.gov/initiatives/Next-Generation-ACO-Model/

CAPG is the nation’s largest professional association representing physician organizations delivering capitated, clinically integrated health services. The organization’s 210-plus member groups employ and/or contract with physicians who provide healthcare services to millions of patients in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. CAPG members are committed to providing high quality, affordable healthcare. To learn more, visit capg.org.