Message from Andy: Bundled Payments for Care Improvement

This is a follow-up to yesterday’s Member Alert on the announcement of the CMS bundled payment initiative. For members who were not able to make the conference call with Rick Gilfillan and other top officials with the Center for Medicare/Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), the call in number to hear the recorded conversation is: 800-642-1687; Conf ID 94307536.

Here is the CMMI web link where you can find the descriptions of the four bundled payment models discussed on yesterday’s call, the application form for submitting proposals to CMMI, and where to post questions: Bundled Payments for Care Improvement

In reviewing the application form, NBCH members should take particular note of two sections in the Table of Contents:

• Section II. F – Participation of Other Payers 
• Section III. A – Eligible Applicants 

These sections spell out the interest of CMS in engaging other payers in any one of the four bundled payment arrangements and the opportunity for a “convener facilitator” entity to play an organizing role without having to directly accept financial risk. 

Related Posts and Releases:

• HCI3 Update from the Field
• Hallelujah! - Today, Rick Gilfillan and Valinda Rutledge announced the CMMI's rollout of a national pilot to pay a bundle of services for a comprehensive episode of care. The plan is simple and elegant, broad and appealing, and builds on the successes of current CMS and private sector efforts. It's a huge step in the right direction and the CMMI should be commended and congratulated for this bold and innovative step.
• See Andy's Response to Francois in the "Transformation has Begun" Facebook Group

• HHS News Release: Affordable Care Act initiative to lower costs, help doctors and hospitals coordinate care
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a new initiative to help improve care for patients while they are in the hospital and after they are discharged. Doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers can now apply to participate in a new program known as the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative (Bundled Payments initiative).