Medicare ACO formerly NextGen ACO

As of March 30, 2019, Partners HealthCare is no longer participating in the Medicare Next Generation Accountable Care Organization (ACO) model, with the goal of entering the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACO in Summer 2019.

This change will not impact patient benefits as a Medicare beneficiary. Partners HealthCare Medicare beneficiaries will continue to maintain their coverage during this transition period.

For questions on Medicare benefits, please call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

For questions about the Partners Medicare ACO, please call the Partners HealthCare Medicare ACO Hotline at 1-800-229-0384.

There will be no changes in your enrollment or participation in any care management or care coordination programs.

Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACO Public Reporting

Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACO Provider List

What May Change – Patient Waivers

During the three (3) month transition period, patients will not be eligible for the three (3) day skilled nursing facility rule waiver benefit. However, patients may still utilize SNF services under your Medicare benefits.

Patients will not be eligible for the telehealth waiver, which left no out of pocket costs, under Medicare for a period of eight (8) months; however, patients may still utilize virtual visit services available at Partners.

For more information on your Medicare benefits, please call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Patients can hear this information in your primary language by calling 1-800-633-4227 and following the prompts given. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Please talk to your doctor with questions you have about your care.

A History of ACO Success

Partners participated in the Next Generation ACO in 2017 and 2018, which succeeded the first Medicare ACO program called the Pioneer ACO. Partners was one of the first Pioneer ACOs in the country and has seven years’ experience managing populations of patients in an ACO. Partners generated $36.7 million in cost savings for the federally funded program between 2012 and 2016. With an overall quality score of 100% in 2017, Partners is among the best ACOs in the nation for delivering high-quality care.