CMS announces final application round for Next Generation ACO Model

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Innovation Center is accepting the second and final round of applications for its Next Generation Accountable Care Organization Model, which will begin its second performance year on Jan. 1, 2017. Participants in the model take on greater performance risk than those in current models, and may also share in a greater portion of savings. Eligible participants include physicians and other practitioners, hospitals that employ or have partnership arrangements with physicians or other practitioners, critical access hospitals, and rural health clinics. Applications are due May 25, with associated lists of providers and service areas due June 3. Interested organizations also must submit a letter of intent by April 1. The Innovation Center will host Open Door Forums on the model March 8 and 22. Currently, 21 ACOs participate in the model.