December 22, 2022 – US Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) recently introduced a new bipartisan bill to extend value-based payment (VBP) incentives for healthcare providers participating in alternative payment models (APMs) for Medicare.

Entitled, The Preserving Access to Value-Based Care Act, the bipartisan bill extends the 5 percent alternative payment model incentive payment for two more years. It will also ensure that qualification thresholds stay attainable to providers that are participating in advanced APMs. 

Without this bill, or alternative action, the 5 percent incentive payment will expire at the end of 2022. Currently, approximately 300,000 clinicians receive the incentive on Medicare payments through their participation in accountable care organizations (ACOs). 

Both US Senators John Barrasso and Sheldon Whitehouse believe without the incentive, it can discourage future participation in VBP models. 

“Congress will be playing with fire by not extending these critical incentives, which are important to providing patients and our health system with better outcomes and higher quality care,” Clif Gaus, ScD, president, and chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Association of ACOs (NAACOS), said in a press release. “We realize that there are several competing priorities for lawmakers but hope they recognize the critical role value-based care providers play in improving our health system. We thank Sen. Barrasso and Sen. Whitehouse for their leadership.”

The American Medical Group Association has also echoed their support for the bill, with their President and CEO stating, “The Advanced APM program is critical in Medicare’s continued transition to value. This bill ensures that Medicare offers the support providers need to start and continue the journey to value. Passage of this bill sends a clear signal that value is here to stay in the Medicare program.”

Over 800 ACOs and healthcare associations have also requested an extension on the APM incentive payments from Congress. In addition, more than 40 House lawmakers signed a letter requesting that Congress support the 5 percent bonus. 

To read the language of the legislation, click here.