Gettysburg, PA, Feb. 20, 2018 -- A new market intelligence report from OPEN MINDS has reported that Medicare accountable care organizations (ACOs) have saved about $1.2 billion over the past four years. In 2016, there were 8.4 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in ACOs, covering 14.7% of the Medicare population. This is an increase from 8% in FY 2014. ACOs were originally developed as a Medicare construct as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to improve care coordination and lower the cost of care. OPEN MINDS has released these findings as part of their recent report, The 2018 OPENMINDS Medicare ACO Update: A Four-Year Trends Report.
The report found that there are now 618 Medicare ACOs; but that those organizations have changed over time – at least 60 ACOs withdrew in the first three years of the demonstration, but new ACOs continue to join the program creating a net positive gain each year. The report also found that the financial risk assumed by ACOs in on the increase, while the dominant contracting model is the more risk-limited Medicare Shared Savings Program, with 561 ACOs, there are now 57 ACOs in the risk-intensive “next generation programs.”
“We expect ACO enrollment and influence to grow, if the performance of Medicare ACOs is any indication. The ACO financing model is becoming more dominant in the Medicare market-and becoming more successful at producing cost savings, while taking on more risk,” said OPEN MINDS Market Intelligence Director Athena Mandros. “Our 2018 update on Medicare ACOs gives executive teams of provider organizations a guide to Medicare ACOs in 2018, as well as a big picture look at how ACOs are influencing the care delivery market.”
The report, The 2018 OPEN MINDS Medicare ACO Update: A Four-Year Trends Report, is available now to all Premium and Elite members of the OPEN MINDS Circle. The report can also be purchased in the OPEN MINDS estore for $495. The report provides a longitudinal look at Medicare ACOs, and includes the following details:
- A detailed examination of the six Medicare ACO financing models
- The changes in Medicare ACO enrollment between 2010 and 2016 over time by model
- The changing number of ACOs over time and their characteristics – including the number of participating ACOs, the savings generated, and the number of attributed beneficiaries
- Medicare ACO performance over time and by model
- A list of 10 ACOs with largest share of savings in performance year 2016, with comparison to the highest performers in past years
The OPEN MINDS Circle is the largest and most-trusted information platform in the behavioral health and human service space. Members access content from our market intelligence team and partner organizations via daily email content and a 24/7 curated and searchable website library platform. Learn more about becoming an OPEN MINDS Circle member online at www.openminds.com/membership.
For additional questions and inquiries, please contact Sarah Threnhauser, Executive Vice President, OPEN MINDS at 717-334-1329 or [email protected].
ABOUT OPEN MINDS
OPEN MINDS is an award-winning information source, executive education provider, and business solutions firm specializing in the behavioral health and human service field. For thirty years, we’ve been pioneers for change – helping organizations implement the transformational business practices they need to succeed in an evolving market with new policies and regulations.
OPEN MINDS is powered by a national team of experienced executives and subject matter experts with specific expertise and experience in markets of the health and human service field serving complex consumers. Our mission is to improve the quality of care for individuals with complex support needs by improving the effectiveness of those serving them – provider organizations, payer and insurance organizations, government agencies, pharmaceutical organizations, and technology firms. Learn more at www.openminds.com.
Tim Snyder OPEN MINDS 7173341329 [email protected]


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