What is a Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP)?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have established Medicare Shared Savings Programs. The purpose is to assist coordination and cooperation among providers to improve the quality of care for Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) beneficiaries and reduce unnecessary costs. Eligible providers, hospitals and suppliers may participate in the Shared Savings Program by creating or participating in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO).

The Shared Savings Program is designed to improve beneficiary outcomes and increase value of care by:

• Promoting accountability for the care of Medicare FFS beneficiaries.
• Requiring coordinated care for all services provided under Medicare FFS.
• Encouraging investment in infrastructure and redesigned care processes.
• Working directly with providers to ensure the right care at the right time for Medicare FFS beneficiaries.

The Shared Savings Program will reward ACOs that lower their growth in health care costs while meeting performance standards on quality of care and putting patients first. Your participation in an ACO is purely voluntary.

For additional information about the Shared Savings Program, visit the CMS website.

Under the Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organization (MSSP ACO), beneficiaries will be automatically assigned by Medicare, based on where the person receives primary care.