The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center recently held a listening session for stakeholder feedback on the Innovation Center Strategy Refresh. Specifically, CMS sought comments on obstacles to participating in value-based payment and accountable care models and recommendations to improve provider support and measure the impact of the new models. Commenters discussed barriers (such as the up-front investments required for new staff), analytics and reporting, information technology, and other resources required to participate in advanced payment models. They also noted that the potential for shared savings did not mitigate the financial risks for many organizations, particularly safety net providers, and identified administrative barriers to participation such as complex rules, inconsistencies in reporting requirements, and regulatory waivers across different Innovation Center models.
Commenters suggested modifying the Innovation Center’s value-based and accountable care programs to include upfront payment, fee-for-service, and capital assistance options. Stakeholders requested additional technical assistance, models with lower financial risk to create new pathways for participation, standardized reporting across models, and the release of more timely and actionable claims data. Innovation Center leaders were receptive to comments and expressed their commitment to expanding access to value-based payment models and advancing health equity.
GNYHA submitted comments prior to the listening session and will continue advocating for expanded opportunities for our members. For details on future listening sessions and additional updates to the Innovation Center’s strategy, please see the CMS website.