CAPG Welcomes MACRA Final Rule

National Association Will Review Rule Governing Future of Physician Payment

LOS ANGELES--()--Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule implementing the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). This rulemaking marks the next step in the future of physicians’ Medicare payment. CMS also launched a new website for physicians to better understand the new rule.

“MACRA will significantly and positively transform physician payment and more importantly, patient care,” said CAPG’s President and CEO, Don Crane. “We look forward to reviewing this final rule in depth and providing detailed education and guidance to the physician community.”

MACRA creates two different payment paths beginning in 2017. The first, the merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS), creates a streamlined pay-for-performance program in traditional Medicare. The second, advanced alternative payment models (APMs), offers financial incentives for participation in risk-bearing advanced alternative payment models.

“MACRA moves the nation in the right direction—from the flawed volume-based incentives of fee-for-service reimbursement to a value-based system that rewards high-quality coordinated care,” Crane added. “Our members have demonstrated the benefits of pay-for-performance and alternative payment models over several decades in the form of superior service and patient experience. Today’s final rule sets us on a course toward this brighter future nationwide.”

CAPG remains concerned that the final rule does not extend advanced alternative payment model status for physician groups taking risk in Medicare Advantage. “We are committed to working with Congress and CMS to ensure equal consideration of the need for delivery system transformation for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who now make up nearly a third of the Medicare population,” concluded Crane.

About CAPG

CAPG is the nation’s leading association for and the voice of physician organizations practicing capitated, coordinated care. Its membership comprises more than 250 multispecialty medical groups and independent practice associations (IPAs) across 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. CAPG members strongly believe that comprehensive, accountable, risk-based coordinated care provides the highest quality, most efficient delivery, and greatest value for patients. Our members have successfully operated under this budget-responsible model for more than two decades. For more information, please visit www.capg.org.

Contacts

CAPG
Daryn Kobata, 213-239-5045
dkobata@capg.org

Contacts

CAPG
Daryn Kobata, 213-239-5045
dkobata@capg.org