CMS released final regulation for provider quality payment programs
CMS today released the final rule today on the implementation of the Medicare Access and CHIP reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). CMS also released a Quality Payment Program website designed to help providers understand the regulation. MACRA attempts to realign physician payments under Medicare to from volume to value. MACRA offers providers that participate in Medicare Part B two options to demonstrate value: the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) or Advanced Alternative Payment Models (AAPMs). The regulation just released will impact providers starting January 1, 2017, though CMS has provided providers the ability to test out the program before being subject to payment adjustment (adjustments for 2017 data would apply to 2019 payments). However, to avoid payment reductions providers need to report at least some data to the Merit-based Incentive Payment System or participate in an advanced alternative payment system. NRHA has commented at each stage of the development of the regulations for MACRA to encourage CMS to consider the special needs of rural providers and to express concern with the potential negative impact on rural providers. We will be reviewing the regulation and will provide additional information in the coming days and weeks.