Pioneer ACO deadlines extended by CMS

Deadlines for provider groups looking to qualify under the recently announced CMS Pioneer Accountable Care Organization Model program were extended.

The variation on the larger and generally unpopular proposed primary ACO program aims to draw organizations already experienced with shared savings and coordinated care approaches into the Medicare program fast, while encouraging other providers to follow later.

The CMS announced June 7 that the deadline for applications was pushed back to Aug. 19 from July 18. Similarly, the deadline for applicants' nonbinding letters of intent was delayed to June 30 from June 10.

The delay stemmed from requests from provider organizations for more time to gather support within their organizations to enter the program and compile strong applications, according to a CMS official. At deadline, CMS had not responded to further questions.

About 30 Pioneer ACOs are expected, according to CMS officials, which could save Medicare about $430 million over a three-year period.

Pioneer program applicants will receive a decision on their applications well before the deadline to apply for the main ACO program, according to CMS officials. The Pioneer program is expected to launch within the last six months of 2011.