Medicare Gain Sharing Program Home Care Path

Section 1899 of the Social Security Act governs the new Medicare Gain Sharing Program. The law was created by section 3022 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. The newly enacted health care reform law facilitates the option for health care providers to form Accountable Care Organizations (ACO's).

Accountable Care Organizations (ACO's) are networks of physicians and other health care providers that could work together to improve the quality of health care services and reduce costs for a defined patient population. Providers participating in an Accountable Care Organization network will take responsibility for quality and over all care of their Medicare patients. Medicare will then share with the Accountable Care Organization network providers the savings from improved quality, fewer hospitalizations, and elimination of unnecessary costs.

Guidelines will list the strategies for improving patient care quality. Strategies will include national quality measures, evidenced based medicine, patient centered care delivery, advanced care coordination, information sharing, and freedom to choose providers. These strategies are thought to reduce barriers and help providers better work together.

The health care reform law establishes a Medicare Gain Sharing Program for Accountable Care Organization's to take effect no later than January 2012. The law makes contracts with the Accountable Care Organizations a permanent option under Medicare. The Secretary of The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be the authority of Medicare Gain Sharing Program delivery ,design, and evolution. An Accountable Care Organization will be required to demonstrate an ability to serve the defined Medicare population for a period of at least three years.

Home Care Path www.homecarepath.com is a senior care provider serving south central Wisconsin.