Bipartisan Bill Aims to Expand Medicare ACOs to Include Nurse Practitioners' Care

U.S. Senators introduced the bipartisan ACO Assignment Improvement Act to broaden Medicare's coordinated-care programs by including care from nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists in patient eligibility for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). ACOs, consisting of networks of hospitals and healthcare providers, emphasize coordinated care to enhance quality and reduce costs, saving Medicare $2.4 billion in 2024 alone. This legislation addresses the limitation where Medicare currently assigns patients to ACOs based only on physician care, potentially excluding those depending on advanced practice providers, especially in rural areas. By updating the policy, the Act strengthens existing patient-provider relationships and expands Medicare beneficiaries' access to coordinated, quality care through ACOs. Though the bill presently lacks broad congressional support and isn't incorporated in major Medicare negotiations, it aligns with bipartisan goals linked to care delivery reform and rural healthcare access. It may be integrated into future healthcare packages or CMS regulatory frameworks, with ongoing monitoring for legislative developments. This initiative reflects a strategic adjustment to improve Medicare's value-based care model by recognizing the roles of diverse healthcare professionals in achieving coordinated care outcomes.