U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Launches Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations Initiative

Strategic Insights -

As part of the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has launched a new initiative to promote high-quality, coordinated care for Medicare beneficiaries. Thirty-two leading health care organizations from across the country will participate in the Pioneer Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) initiative, which aims to provide better care and reduce health care costs. The initiative is expected to save up to $1.1 billion over five years and has attracted a diverse group of 32 Pioneer ACOs, including physician-led organizations and health systems, urban and rural organizations, and organizations in various geographic regions of the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pioneer ACO initiative is a key component of the Affordable Care Act, designed to promote high-quality, coordinated care for Medicare beneficiaries.
  • The initiative involves 32 leading health care organizations from across the country, including physician-led organizations and health systems, urban and rural organizations, and organizations in various geographic regions.
  • The initiative is expected to save up to $1.1 billion over five years and reward groups of health care providers that have formed ACOs based on their ability to improve health outcomes and lower costs.
  • The Pioneer ACO model includes strict beneficiary protections, including the ability for patients to seek care from any Medicare provider they wish.
  • The initiative will test the effectiveness of several innovative payment models, including the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the Advance Payment ACO Model.
  • The 32 Pioneer ACOs underwent a rigorous competitive selection process, including extensive review of applications and in-person interviews.

Statistics:

  • 32 leading health care organizations will participate in the Pioneer ACO initiative.
  • The initiative is expected to save up to $1.1 billion over five years.
  • The selected Pioneer ACOs represent 18 states and will have the opportunity to improve care for over 860,000 Medicare beneficiaries.
  • The 32 Pioneer ACOs include physician-led organizations and health systems, urban and rural organizations, and organizations in various geographic regions of the country.

Sources:

  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services: [http://www.hhs.gov/](http://www.hhs.gov/)
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center.