CMS extends Next Generation ACO model, offers direct contracting details

CMS’ Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation offered clarity Wednesday on the future of its Next Generation and direct contracting models after providers publicly expressed uncertainty and confusion.

The Innovation Center announced the Next Generation ACO model will get a one-year extension and the Direct Contracting Model will begin April 1, a three-month delay from the original start date.

The National Association of ACOs has been urging CMMI to extend the Next Generation ACO model since last year. The demonstration program, which has been in effect since 2012, was slated to end in December.

“NAACOS hopes the additional year will give CMS more data on which to make the Next Gen model permanent,” CEO Clif Gaus said in a statement.

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