Bill > S3350

This bill aims to modify the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) by expanding how Medicare beneficiaries are assigned to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). Currently, beneficiary assignment is based primarily on primary care services provided by physicians, but this legislation would add primary care services furnished by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists as additional criteria for beneficiary assignment starting in 2026. Specifically, the bill amends Section 1899(c)(1) of the Social Security Act to include these additional healthcare professionals in the assignment process. This change is significant because it recognizes the important role of advanced practice providers in primary care and ensures that their patient care contributions are formally acknowledged in the Medicare payment and quality improvement system. By broadening the definition of primary care providers for ACO assignment, the bill seeks to more comprehensively reflect the current healthcare delivery landscape and potentially improve patient access to care.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3350/all-info