THIS MEDICARE ACO INITIATIVE HAS TWO PARTS:

• The Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), which is the largest group, comprises hospitals, doctors and other providers. It allows these organizations to opt against the risk of penalties for not meeting goals set by the program. But if they do that, they also are eligible for only lower shared savings.
• The Pioneer Model comprises high-performing health systems. Groups in this program are eligible for higher levels of savings, but they must take on higher risks.