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Updates for Members and Partners
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STAY CONNECTED! SUBSCRIBE TO RELAUNCHED NAACOS LISTSERV TODAY
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NAACOS re-launched its email-based ListServ! This exclusive member benefit gives you a simple, powerful way to connect and share insights. Members previously subscribed to earlier ListServs or the Telegram channel will be automatically enrolled. Subscribe Now!
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JOIN THE FRAUD, WASTE, AND ABUSE FORUM
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NAACOS, in partnership with CMS, is launching an ACO Forum on Fraud, Waste, and Abuse. This quarterly forum will serve as an ongoing venue for two-way dialogue between ACOs and CMS to strengthen program integrity, share emerging insights, and support continuous improvement over time. The first ACO Forum on Fraud, Waste, and Abuse will be held on Tuesday, December 9 at 1 pm ET. Register on the NAACOS website to attend the first forum.
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NEW NAACOS BLOG: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR TOTAL COST OF CARE
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Our latest blog outlines recommendations NAACOS has shared with CMS for building a sustainable, patient-centered total cost of care model that supports providers and improves patient outcomes. From predictable benchmarks and specialist engagement to expanded alignment and reduced administrative burden, we have shared our blueprint for success with our colleagues in the Trump administration. Read NAACOS’ vision for the next total cost of care model.
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RESCHEDULED IN-DEPTH DISCUSSION ON AMBULATORY SPECIALTIY MODEL
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On January 27 from 1:00-2:00 pm ET, NAACOS will host an in-depth discussion of the Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM), which is a mandatory model focused on heart failure and low back pain episodes beginning in 2027. We will be discussing model details and our continued advocacy efforts next year. Register here to join the ASM discussion.
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STAKEHOLDERS CALL ON CMS TO HOLD ACOS HARMLESS ON SKIN SUB SPENDING
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NAACOS coordinated a coalition letter with 12 other associations in the Alliance for Value-Based Patient Care calling on CMS to hold clinicians harmless from increased spending on skin substitutes.
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NAACOS LEADERS OFFER SOLUTIONS IN THE SHIFT TO DIGITAL QUALITY
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NAACOS MEMBERS TESTIFY AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON CHRONIC DISEASE
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Health care leaders from Summit Health/Village MD and Novant Health recently testified at a House Committee on Ways and Means’ Subcommittee on Health hearing on modernizing care coordination to prevent and treat chronic disease. NAACOS submitted written comments highlighting the role alternative payment models (APMs) have played in improving overall health and management of chronic conditions, as well as outlining recommendations for strengthening accountable care.
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TIME RUNNING OUT FOR DEAL ON HEALTH CARE TAX CREDITS
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Lawmakers returned from the Thanksgiving Recess without a plan to prevent major premium hikes if the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced premium tax credits expire at year’s end. A Trump administration proposal to extend the subsidies for two years—while adding income limits, nominal premiums, and a cost-sharing appropriation—was pulled amid Republican opposition on Capitol Hill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has promised a vote on an extension by mid-December, but disagreements between Republicans and Democrats make passage in the House and Senate unlikely before the end of the year.
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CMS ANNOUNCES ACCESS MODEL
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CMS announced the new ACCESS (Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions) Model, a 10-year voluntary model aimed to improve the health of people with Original Medicare with chronic disease through technology-supported care. Model participants will focus on four clinical tracks – early cardiometabolic conditions, cardio-kidney-metabolic conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, and behavioral health conditions – and receive outcome-aligned payments in fixed installments for offering technology-supported care. Full payment amounts will be received if required clinical outcomes are met by participants.
The ACCESS Model will begin July 1, 2026. Applications for model participation open January 12, 2026, and are due April 1, 2026. Interested parties can complete the ACCESS Model Interest Form now to be notified when the Request for Applications (RFA) becomes available. For more information, please visit the ACCESS Model webpage. NAACOS will provide a detailed model overview once the RFA is released.
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HOW CMMI IS IMPLEMENTING ITS NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTION
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Leadership from the CMS Innovation Center (CMMI) released a Health Affairs Forefront article detailing ways CMMI is leveraging evidence-based solutions to promote high-value care, shift more health care providers into risk bearing arrangements, and improve benchmarking methodologies in its models. These early steps offer insights into how CMMI plans to implement its new strategic direction and vision to build healthier lives through evidence-based prevention, patient empowerment, and greater choice and competition.
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PremierMD ACO, LLC
Gables, FL
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LAST CHANCE TO ATTEND TODAY’S ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
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Each year, NAACOS hosts a Meeting of Members to update you on the state of our association. This afternoon from 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET, hear from NAACOS Board leaders and staff about the strategic direction of our education, policy, and membership initiatives moving into 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with NAACOS and hear more about how we can collaborate with you to drive progress in accountable care. Only NAACOS ACO and Value Based Care Members are eligible to attend. Register here.
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AGENDAS ANNOUNCED FOR JANUARY BOOT CAMPS
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The Data and Analytics Boot Camp 201 will be held January 21-23, and the Clinical Operations Boot Camp 201 will be held January 28-30. Designed for intermediate-to-advanced participants, these sessions provide a deeper understanding of Medicare accountable care and population health, equipping you with the operational and administrative tools needed to run a high-performing ACO. Register Today! Topics include fraud, waste, and abuse; cost and utilization trends; specialty engagement for CQM reporting; clinical guidelines; and more. If you are interested in teaching others how your organization or team uses best practices and innovation to achieve success in your ACO contracts, email [email protected].
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL MEETING IN ARLINGTON, TEXAS ON JANUARY 14
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The South Central Regional Meeting will be held in person on January 14, 2026, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm in Arlington, Texas. Registration is open! If you are interested in speaking or shaping this meeting’s agenda, email [email protected].
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DON’T WAIT—REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING 2026 CONFERENCE AND SAVE!
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Registration is open for the Spring 2026 Conference at the Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor, April 22–24. Expect powerful insights from leading health care experts and CMS insiders, interactive sessions, and lively panel discussions, all designed to explore the latest innovations in health care transformation. Plus, enjoy meaningful networking with fellow attendees, speakers, and vendors. Be part of the national conversation shaping the future of value-based care. Join us in person or online, and register early to secure the best rate!
Reserve your room early at the NAACOS discounted rate. The discounted rate is $249.00 per night plus taxes and fees. This discounted rate is good through March 3, 2026, or until the block is full. The hotel will not release additional rooms to us at the discounted rate. Please book early.
Sponsorships are filling fast! The sponsor and exhibit program is now accepting applications for the spring conference. Reserve your space today! Please note, all sponsorships and exhibit space are on a first come first served basis, and space is assigned in the order we receive applications.
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ATTEND DECEMBER 11 PARTNER CALL TO RECEIVE MARKETING DISCOUNTS
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Join us on December 11 at 12:30 pm ET for an engaging call exclusively for Partner Circle, Business Partners, and Alliance Partners. NAACOS staff will provide an update on our latest initiatives and new opportunities for you to engage with our value-based care audience. Hear about 2026 Regional Meeting and Spring Conference opportunities, and all attendees will receive an exclusive 50 percent discount on marketing messages through Q1 of 2026! Don’t miss this chance to fully utilize the benefits of your NAACOS partnership. This meeting is only open to Partners. Register here.
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ATTEND XCCELERATE 2026: JANUARY 25-27 IN SAN FRANCISCO
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The future of health care is being rewritten, with AI leading the way. Join us at Xccelerate 2026: The Health AI + Outcomes Conference by Innovaccer, where innovators and leaders will explore how intelligence, data, and collaboration are driving measurable improvements in care and outcomes. Emily Brower, CEO of NAACOS, will share insights on value-based care transformation and what’s driving strong ACO performance today.
As a valued NAACOS ACO member, you’re eligible for exclusive complimentary pricing. Use code NAXCC at registration to claim this offer.
Presented by Innovaccer, in collaboration with NAACOS, KLAS, CHIME, and AMGA. Be part of what’s next in health care at Xccelerate 2026.
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- A recent article in the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) highlights how ACOs can leverage data-driven support and analytics and effective care coordination to improve clinical and financial performance.
- A new AJMC study examines how different Medicare payment arrangements affect outcomes for dually eligible beneficiaries. The study found that beneficiaries in two-sided risk Medicare Advantage (MA) models experienced higher quality care at lower costs and utilization as compared to those in FFS MA or traditional Medicare, signaling that accountable care models within MA can improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
- Milliman recently published a paper examining the Accountable Care Prospective Trend (ACPT) and its impacts on 2024 and 2025 starters in MSSP. NAACOS continues to advocate for CMS to eliminate the ACPT due to the arbitrary reductions in ACO benchmarks.
- KFF’s 25th annual Medicaid Budget Survey highlights how states are navigating and preparing for upcoming federal Medicaid policy changes. The survey underscores priorities such as benefit design, delivery system reforms, prescription drug strategies, and financing challenges in anticipation of increased spending and budget pressures with continued flat enrollment.
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