What is the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act?

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) is a federal law that changed how Medicare reimburses healthcare providers, shifting from a volume-based to a value-based payment system. The law established the Quality Payment Program, extended the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and implemented numerous Medicare reforms.

Why is MACRA important?

• Payment reform: Transitions Medicare from fee-for-service to quality-based reimbursement.
• Quality incentives: Rewards providers for improved outcomes and efficient care.
• Program stability: Extended funding for CHIP and other healthcare initiatives.

Key components of MACRA

• Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for eligible providers.
• Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs) for innovative care delivery.
• Technical assistance for small practices transitioning to new payment models.

How Solace can help

A Solace advocate can help you understand how MACRA might affect your care quality and costs under Medicare, identify providers participating in value-based care models, and ensure you're receiving the preventive and chronic care management services emphasized under these payment systems. They can also help you assess whether quality metrics important to your specific health needs are being addressed in your care.