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.