AMGA Supports Value in Health Care Act Introduced in Congress
AMGA and 16 other national healthcare stakeholder groups endorsed a bipartisan U.S. House of Representatives bill that will accelerate Medicare’s move to value-based payment by enhancing accountable care organizations (ACOs) and other alternative payment models (APMs).
Alexandria, VA – AMGA and 16 other national healthcare stakeholder groups endorsed a bipartisan U.S. House of Representatives bill that will accelerate Medicare’s move to value-based payment by enhancing accountable care organizations (ACOs) and other alternative payment models (APMs). The Value in Healthcare Act (Value Act) was introduced today by Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA). AMGA recommends that Congress enact the Value Act as soon as possible.
The Value Act reinforces the shift to value-based care by extending the 5% Advanced APM incentive payments for an additional two years. This legislative proposal also strengthens the Medicare Shared Savings Program by updating it to recognize and reward ACOs. Specifically, the bill eliminates the artificial distinction between high- and low-revenue ACOs, revises benchmark development and shared savings policies, and mandates more technical assistance from the federal government. This legislation also establishes a voluntary ACO track to enable participants take on higher levels of risk. The bill lastly mandates a report by the Government Accountability Office to evaluate parity between APMs and Medicare Advantage so that both models provide sustainable options for innovative value-based care delivery.
“ACOs have proven to be an effective tool for moving groups in the Medicare program into value,” said AMGA President and CEO Jerry Penso, MD, MBA. “This bill ensures the sustainability of value-based transition in the Medicare program through reform to the ACO program structure, as well as provides stability in value-based programs by extending the APM incentive program. Passing the Value Act would be a step in the right direction.”
The letter is available on AMGA’s website.
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About AMGA
AMGA is a trade association leading the transformation of healthcare in America. Representing multispecialty medical groups and integrated systems of care, we advocate, educate, innovate, and empower our members to deliver the next level of high performance health. AMGA is the national voice promoting awareness of our members’ recognized excellence in the delivery of coordinated, high-quality, high-value care. More than 175,000 physicians practice in our member organizations, delivering care to one in three Americans.
AMGA represents medical groups and integrated systems of care. Its diverse membership includes multispecialty medical groups, integrated delivery systems, accountable care organizations, and other entities committed to improving healthcare outcomes. AMGA advocates for the formation of innovative, clinically integrated systems of care that advance population health, enhance patient experience, and reduce healthcare costs. For more information, please visit www.amga.org.