H.R.786 - Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.786, the "Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act," proposes amendments to Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The bill aims to extend incentive payments for healthcare providers participating in eligible alternative payment models (APMs) under the Medicare program. This extension involves adjusting specific dates and percentages related to these incentive payments.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to continue financial incentives for healthcare providers who participate in APMs. This could lead to sustained or increased participation in these models. Ultimately, this aims to promote value-based care within the Medicare system.
Potential Benefits
- Continued Support for Value-Based Care: Extends incentives for APMs, encouraging healthcare providers to focus on quality and efficiency.
- Potential for Improved Patient Outcomes: By incentivizing coordinated care, the bill could lead to better health outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Financial Stability for Participating Providers: The incentive payments provide financial support to healthcare providers transitioning to and participating in APMs.
- Promotes Innovation in Healthcare Delivery: Encourages the development and adoption of new and innovative healthcare delivery models.
- Reduces Healthcare Costs: By promoting efficiency and coordinated care, the bill has the potential to reduce overall healthcare costs in the long term.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Medicare Spending: Extending incentive payments could lead to increased spending from the Medicare program.
- Complexity in Implementation: APMs can be complex to implement and manage, potentially creating administrative burdens for providers.
- Potential for Unintended Consequences: There is a risk that some providers may focus on meeting APM requirements rather than on providing optimal patient care.
- Limited Impact on Overall Healthcare System: The bill only addresses a specific aspect of Medicare payment models and may not have a significant impact on the overall healthcare system.
- Risk of Gaming the System: Providers might find ways to maximize incentive payments without necessarily improving the quality of care.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the purview of Congress's power to legislate on matters related to healthcare and the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution. Specifically, it amends Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, which is a long-standing exercise of congressional authority in the realm of social welfare programs. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).