Medicare Compliance & Reimbursement

If you want to apply to be an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), “Pathways to Success,” starting Jan 1, 2020, be aware that the first step — the Notice of Intent to Apply (NOIA) — is around the bend.

On June 11, CMS will begin accepting NOIAs through the ACO Management System (MS), the agency advises.  “You must submit a NOIA if you intend to apply to the BASIC or ENHANCED track of the Shared Savings Program, apply for a Skilled Nursing Facility 3-Day Rule Waiver, and/or establish and operate a Beneficiary Incentive Program,” an MLN Connects about the application process says. The deadline for the NOIAs is June 28.

Next steps: From July 1 to July 29, CMS will accept application submissions for the programs through the ACO-MS. Providers will be alerted of their status with Requests for Information (RFIs) and must respond in the coming months after the application period closes, CMS suggests. The finalized ACO agreements, 3-Day Rule Waivers, and Beneficiary Incentive Program agreements need to be signed in December before the Jan. 1, 2020 start date.

See more details and submit your NOIA at www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/sharedsavingsprogram/for-acos/application-types-and-timeline.html.