Direct Contracting

Background
The Direct Contracting Model builds upon the successful Next Generation ACO Model and offers higher levels of risk and reward than the Medicare Shared Savings Program. There are at least two options, Professional and Global, each with three types of Direct Contracting Entities; Standard, New Entrant and High Needs Populations. The five-year model is set to launch with an implementation period in October 2020 and its first performance year on April 1, 2021. 

Questions or feedback about the model are welcomed and can be sent to [email protected].

NEW Taskforce

To ensure NAACOS is fully preparing providers to assess and participate in this new model, NAACOS has launched a Direct Contracting Taskforce. NAACOS ACO members will receive all benefits of the Taskforce. For those not yet members of NAACOS, we are offering complimentary access to the Taskforce. This grants immediate access to NAACOS resources and benefits specific to the Direct Contracting Model that will help entities understand and make decisions about this new model throughout the application process and implementation period. The access will be valid through December 31, 2020.

Overview 

• CMMI’s Direct Contracting webpage

• CMS offers more details in this factsheet 

• CMS’s Request for Applications and FAQs
  

CMS Resources

• Direct Contracting Financial Methodology Papers 
• Slides from CMS’s Sept. 18 webinar on the Financial Methodology
  
  
• CMS FAQs on Direct Contracting from August 2020
  
  
• Participation Agreement for the Implementation Period 
  
  
• Key Dates for the Direct Contracting Model
  
  
• CMS FAQs on performance year 1 application
  
  
• CMS Innovation Center announces model changes because of COVID-19
  
  
• Welcome Packet for Direct Contracting Implementation Period Participants 
• • Beneficiary Notification Letter 
  • Voluntary Alignment Template 

NAACOS Member Resources 

• NAACOS Summary of Direct Contracting Financial Specifications 
  
  

• NAACOS Frequently Asked Questions on the Direct Contracting Model 

• NAACOS in-depth analysis of the Direct Contracting Model 
  
  
• NAACOS overview of Direct Contracting
  
  
• NAACOS chart comparing Direct Contracting and other high-risk ACOS 
  
  
• NAACOS chart of CMS Innovation Center models and their overlap with ACOs 
  
  
• NAACOS Direct Contracting Listserv
  
  
• Webinars
• Understanding the Model Matrix 201
  
  
• Understanding the Model Matrix 101
  
  
• Understanding the Direct Contracting Model

News and Advocacy

• NAACOS statement on CMMI’s clarity on Direct Contracting’s future
  
  
• NAACOS urges swift action to extend the Next Generation ACO Model and announce plans for the future of the Direct Contracting Model
  
  
• NAACOS calls for changes to Direct Contracting and seeks more information
  
  

• NAACOS Launches Direct Contracting Taskforce

• NAACOS Statement on Direct Contracting Request for Applications
  
  
• NAACOS submits feedback on new Geographic and Professional and Global Options of Direct Contracting Models from the CMS Innovation Center
  
  
• NAACOS released a statement welcoming more options for value-based payment arrangements in the form of Direct Contracting and Primary Care First
  
  
• NAACOS calls for greater transparency in Innovation Center’s work
  
  
• NAACOS submits comments in response to CMS’s Request for Information on Direct Provider Contracting models

 indicates Taskforce/members only resource