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New bipartisan legislation aims to fix a glitch that can penalize rural accountable care organizations that reduce costs.
The legislation, introduced Tuesday, would fix a flaw that requires all ACOs to measure their performance against themselves, which lawmakers say can disproportionately impact rural providers. The bill comes as ACO advocates have been worried about a slide in participation recently.
“Rural providers should have the same opportunities as their urban counterparts to participate in value-based payment models, and I believe this legislation will empower providers, reduce healthcare costs and keep rural America healthy and strong,” said Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, a lead sponsor of the Accountable Care in Rural America Act.