June 19, 2018 

Ms. Seema Verma
Administrator
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Hubert H. Humphrey Building
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201 

Re: 2019 Medicare Shared Savings Program Application Timeframe and Process 

Dear Administrator Verma:  

The National Association of ACOs (NAACOS) writes this letter to express our significant concern with the lack of information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the application process for ACOs interested in applying for the 2019 Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP). As you know, typically the application process begins with a Letter of Intent to Apply (LOIA) which has typically been due in the spring. Given that we are in the latter half of June, ACOs are growing anxious that a condensed application timeline will result in unrealistic expectations for ACOs to gather information and submit application materials to CMS.

The absence of information from CMS has led some ACOs to believe there will not be an opportunity to apply for a 2019 program start. Many others are growing wary of the allotted time for organizations to analyze any program changes, review application materials, make decisions regarding their participation and gather all of the required information to submit applications for participation. We urge CMS to provide more information regarding the expected timeline for 2019 applications so that organizations and their Board of Directors may begin to prepare for what looks to be a condensed application timeline. As ACOs weigh their participation options for 2019, it is critical that organizations are given sufficient time to analyze potential program changes which may result from the proposed regulation currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget, “Medicare Shared Savings Program; Accountable Care Organizations (CMS-1701-P).”