A national
survey by the National Association of ACOs finds leaders are concerned about
recovering their investments and pressure to share in losses. ACOs bristled at
the assertion that up-side only shared savings arrangements are just bonuses. One
survey respondent said, “The investment risk is substantial (in our case $2.5
million per year) with no guarantee of any return. I call that risk.” 43% of
respondents said they would definitely or likely leave Medicare if forced to
accept downside-risk arrangements. Our survey
earlier this year of ACOs in CT found similar
themes – concerns about recovering costs, modest savings, and an uncertain
future. Both surveys include recommendations for policymakers and payers to promote
success.
