CMS Extends Pediatric Alternative Payment Model Comment Period
CMS has extended the comment period on its pediatric alternative payment model until April 7, 2017.
Source: Thinkstock
By - CMS will continue to take public comment on its pediatric alternative payment model (APM) initiatives until April 7, 2017.
In March, CMS issued a request for information (RFI) related to establishing an APM specifically focused on the pediatric population in an effort to bring value-based care to children and youths receiving services through Medicaid and CHIP.
This new APM coincides with other pediatric-focused redesign and payment innovations from the Medicaid Health Homes Program, State Innovation Models Initiative, and the Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns Initiative.
Pediatric patients can benefit from a population health management approach to their care, CMS leaders said, including initiatives to address environmental and socioeconomic determinants of health.
In the RFI, CMS seeks comments across four categories as well as other comments:
- Integrated pediatric health care and health-related social service delivery model
- Operation of integrated service model
- Integrated pediatric service model payment and incentive arrangements
- Pediatric quality measures
“The aim of this model is to facilitate strategies for timely and appropriate delivery of family-centered, community-based, linguistically and culturally appropriate, cost-effective, and integrated services to all children and youth covered by Medicaid and CHIP with an emphasis on those with or at-risk for developmental, social, emotional, or behavioral health challenges, intellectual or physical developmental delays or disabilities, and/or those with complex and/or chronic health conditions,” the RFI states.
Stakeholders interested in submitting comments can find more information here.
“Investing in child health can provide lifelong benefits and improve the nation’s health. We look forward to front-end comments from our state partners and other stakeholders who share our dedication to improving the health of our nation’s children,” noted CMS administrators.
CMS currently has several initiatives in promoting and building APMs. Earlier this year, CMS solicited payer participation into the next round of CPC+.
