The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Innovation Center (CMS Innovation Center) is announcing the second and final round of applications for the Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Model. The Model will begin its second performance year on January 1st, 2017. Details on Model parameters are included in the Request for Applications, which is now available on the Next Generation ACO Model web page.

The Next Generation ACO Model is a healthcare delivery and payment model created by the CMS Innovation Center. Building upon experience from the Pioneer ACO Model and the Medicare Shared Savings Program, the Next Generation ACO Model offers a new opportunity in accountable care—one that sets predictable financial targets, enables providers and beneficiaries greater opportunities to coordinate care, and aims to attain the highest quality standards of care.

The ACOs in the Next Generation ACO Model take on greater performance risk than ACOs in current models, while also potentially sharing in a greater portion of savings. To support increased risk, ACOs have a stable, predictable benchmark and flexible payment options that support ACO investments in care improvement infrastructure that provides high quality care to patients. Currently there are a total of 21 Next Generation ACOs all over the nation-from Los Angeles, California to Boston, Massachusetts.

All organizations interested in applying to the Next Generation Model must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Only organizations that submit an LOI will be able to complete an application. The LOI is now available on the Next Generation webpage. The CMS Innovation Center will also be holding informational Open Door Forums (ODFs) to help guide applicants through the application process and provide more detailed information on the Model. The first two ODFs will be on held on March 8th and March 22nd. Links containing the dial-in information for both ODFs can be found on the Next Generation ACO Model web page.

Additional information on the Model, including Letter of Intent and Application instructions, can be found on the Next Generation ACO Model web page.