HMEs Should Be Part of ACOs, AAHomecare Says

ARLINGTON, Va. — In a formal comment letter last week, the
American Association for Homecare urged CMS to identify HME
providers as “essential components” of an accountable
care organization, or ACO.

Last year’s Affordable Care Act authorizes the formation of
ACOs, in which entities like hospitals and physicians work to
coordinate care delivery across a variety of settings. To promote
the concept, the health reform law also provides that those
participating in ACOs would share in any savings to Medicare that
result.

But CMS didn’t specifically include HME providers in the
mix.

In its June 6 comments, AAHomecare said CMS acknowledges that
program savings will derive mostly from a decrease in
hospitalizations, especially for beneficiaries with chronic
conditions.

“To achieve this goal, it is imperative that beneficiaries with
chronic conditions have access to and receive quality,
cost-effective care in their homes,” the association said. “ACOs
must be able to ensure smooth patient transitions from inpatient
settings to home care. Moreover, DMEPOS providers — working
in close collaboration with primary care practitioners and
specialists — can reduce or delay repeat hospitalizations or
more costly skilled nursing care.”

Read AAHomecare’s comment letter in full.

While Office of Management and Budget estimates have pegged
savings from the ACO program at $510 million, the American Group
Management Association has also warned that the government’s
expectations shouldn’t be so high. Unless some changes are made,
the group said, CMS’ stringent regulations regarding ACOs will
discourage providers from participating.