Statement on the Introduction of the Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act

Premier commends Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Reps. Darin Lahood (R-IL), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Neal Dunn (R-FL) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) for introducing the bipartisan, bicameral Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act (H.R. 786/S. 1460). This critical legislation emphasizes investments in wellness-driven, innovative care models that deliver the best possible outcomes for patients while reining in the growing costs of healthcare.

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) and other Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APM) create opportunities for providers to collaborate, focus on keeping patients healthy, ensure they receive the right care at the right time, and share in the savings achieved – an approach that fee-for-service Medicare cannot achieve. By extending Medicare’s incentive payments to providers participating in these innovative models, the Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act will support providers’ efforts to ensure a healthier future for patients.