MedPAC likely to recommend CMS simplify alternative payment models

A congressional advisory panel will likely recommend that CMS improve coordination among its alternative payment models and reduce the total number of models it operates, including accountable care organizations and bundled payments.

During a Medicare Payment Advisory Commission meeting on Thursday, experts said the changes would encourage providers to deliver care more efficiently and might lower Medicare spending, depending on how Congress and CMS carry out the recommendation. The commission’s staff found that more effective payment models could boost care coordination, improve health outcomes and potentially reduce premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries.

In addition, providers would probably benefit from a simpler, more coordinated group of models, which could ease reporting requirements, reduce and consolidate quality measures, or create clearer financial incentives for providers.

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