Early Research: CMS’ ACO Investment Model Saved Money

Under AIM, up-front and ongoing payments enable rural ACOs to overcome initial information technology cost barriers

A newly published research study found that a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) infrastructure investment model saved the agency more than $48 million in its first year while promoting improved healthcare in rural and underserved areas.

CMS developed the Accountable Care Organization Investment Model (AIM) to improve healthcare delivery in rural and underserved areas. Financing and inadequate capital for information technology have been cited by rural providers as significant infrastructure obstacles to ACO participation.

Under AIM, up-front and ongoing payments to ACOs enabled them to overcome those initial operational barriers. CMS recoups the payments from the ACOs’ subsequent savings. ACOs also...