The first 27 Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) were announced by CMS, just over half of which are led by physician networks or practices.
Another 150 ACO applications for a July 1, 2012 start date are under review right now, which CMS cites as evidence that providers are in fact interested in participating in this Affordable Care Act-initiated cost savings model.
When lumped with the 32 pioneer ACOs announced in December and six Physician Group Practice Transition Demonstration organizations that started in January 2011, that brings the total to 65 ACOs serving 1.1 million beneficiaries, CMS says.
Of course the massive elephant in the room during a CMS press call announcing the ACOs is the fact that all Affordable Care Act initiatives remain in limbo until the Supreme Court decides on the constitutionality of health care reform in June.
When asked how the Court’s decision would impact ACOs, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director Jonathan Blum responded: “We are confident the law will be upheld.”
More information about the 27 new ACOs from 18 states can be found here.