LeadingAge NY issues analysis of the SNF PPS final rule, including 2016 Medicare Part A rates and new value-based payment and quality/staffing reporting programs.

State receives federal approval of Medicaid value-based payment plan.

As of January 2016, hospitals in the specified counties would be responsible for the total cost and quality of hip and knee surgeries, including inpatient, and post-acute care for 90 days after discharge.

The new regulations create an additional two-sided risk-sharing track with an enhanced savings rate, and provide ACOs in the new track with the ability to seek a waiver of the three-day hospital stay requirement for Medicare coverage of nursing home care.

The initiative builds on CMS's announcement of its intent to move the health system towards payment based on quality rather than quality. 

Under the plan, by the end of 2016, 30 percent of Medicare FFS payments would be made through alternative payment models, and 85 percent would be tied to quality.

The proposed regulations solicit comments on potential waivers of regulations affecting long-term/post-acute care providers serving patients assigned to ACOs.

LeadingAge NY questions the readiness to move aggressively on VBP arrangements.