CMS: half of Shared Savings ACOs saved money

According to data from CMS, only 54 of the 114 accountable care organizations (ACOs) enrolled in the Medicare Shared Savings Program generated $128 million in savings for the Medicare Trust Fund and had lower spending than projected in 2012, the program's first year. Of these 54 ACOs, only 29 saved enough money to qualify to share generated savings. The Shared Savings Program rewards ACOs that reduce the growth in costs while meeting quality of care performance standards. Providers continue to receive fee-for-service payments but may also receive up to 60% of the savings if quality targets are met (see BioCentury, Sept. 2, 2013). ...