NJ Spotlight published the following article on July 30, 2014. To read the full article, click here.
HEALTHCARE GROUPS IN NJ EMBRACE TREND TOWARD MORE ACCOUNTABILITY
Eight applicants seek to join Medicaid demonstration project slated to start in late 2014
A state pilot program aimed at improving accountability and coordination of healthcare provided to Medicaid recipients has attracted eight applicants from across the state – a sign of the potential that healthcare providers see for the program.
The Medicaid Accountable Care Organization demonstration project will provide incentives for organizations that reduce costs while still improving their patients’ health.
By realigning incentives, the project aims to attain those healthcare goals while also reducing the frequency of costly visits to hospitals and doctors’ offices.
The New Jersey project is unique compared to other ACO programs around the country because it includes all Medicaid patients within a geographic area, rather than just those whose healthcare is managed by certain insurers.