ACOs get a formal society
The National Association of Accountable Care Organizations (NAACOS), representing more than 60 ACOs from more than 15 states, is a 501(c)6 nonprofit that will nationally seek to allow ACOs to work together to increase quality of care, lower costs and improve the health of their communities.
"It is phenomenal that this many ACOs could come together in a matter of eight weeks to form such an important organization," said Clif Gaus, NAACOS president.
"While rapid, this is a natural evolution of what was an informal network of ACO executives recognizing the need for the ACO industry to have its voice clearly and consistently at the table as regulations and program rules are developed by CMS and the States. Equally important is providing a forum for a peer-to-peer exchange of effective and efficient solutions to the myriad of operational challenges," explains Mike Barrett, chair of NAACOS. Membership is expected to exceed 100 ACOs by April, representing over 2 million Medicare assigned beneficiaries, according to the association.
The first NAACOS meeting is scheduled for March 19-21 in Baltimore.
An interim six-month founding board is guiding the formation of the organization. Election of a permanent board will occur in June by the full membership. Board members will serve three-year terms. One-third of the board will rotate off and be elected each year by the voting members of NAACOS.
NAACOS is supported through membership fees, business partner fees, joint conference opportunities and with in-kind contributions of its members.