CMMI Updates and Report Highlights
Highlights from recently released Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (Innovation Center) evaluation reports and publications.
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2026 Medicare Accountable Care Organization Initiatives Participation Highlights
CMS continues to bring accountable care to more people with Medicare in 2026, expanding the benefits of high-quality, whole-person health care to achieve better health outcomes for millions of older Americans.
2026 CMS Quality Reporting Changes
By Amy Ardisana – CMS has released the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule, proposing several changes to the QPP and its reporting frameworks. Unlike previous years marked by extensive regulatory overhauls, CMS has proposed a limited number of policies, emphasizing its commitment to program stability while continuing the strategic transformation of healthcare quality measurement.
CMS 2026 Policy Changes for QPP
CMS has issued its, Calendar Year 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, which includes policies for the Quality Payment Program for the 2026 performance year and beyond. This rule will be published on November 5, 2025, in the Federal Register.
CMS Moves Closer to Accountable Care Goals with 2025 ACO Initiatives
CMS has made substantial progress on its goal for all people with Traditional Medicare to be in a care relationship with accountability for quality and total cost of care by 2030. As of January 2025, 53.4% of people with Traditional (fee-for-service) Medicare are in an accountable care relationship with a provider.
Value Based Care Musings
By Matt Fisher – Value based care has become an evergreen topic in healthcare circles with the accompanying message that value based care will transform healthcare. Is that transformation happening? Is the value based care discussion stagnating or getting stuck on certain concepts?
How Clinical Data Registries, ACOs, and Payers Can Collaborate for Value-Based Care
By Misty Graham – Key stakeholders in the healthcare industry, including health plans, clinical data registries, and accountable care organizations, must collaborate to improve health outcomes, enhance patient experiences, manage chronic diseases, and provide better access to care while keeping costs low.
CMS Proposals for Healthcare Quality Reporting in 2025 and Beyond
By James Pelletier – CMS has introduced significant proposals that impact the Medicare Shared Savings Program and the transition from MIPS to MVPs for 2025. Understanding these changes is essential for improving patient care and optimizing financial outcomes.
Unraveling the Financial Ramifications of MSSP ACO Reporting
By James Pelletier – As healthcare providers strive to deliver better outcomes while managing costs, understanding the financial implications of MSSP Accountable Care Organization reporting becomes essential.