CMS is ready to test a payment and care model that would likely include new opportunities for home health and hospice providers, according to industry leaders.
 
The Geographic Direct Contracting Model is expected to launch a three-year test in January 2022. Developed through the CMS Innovation Center, the model is targeting 15 potential markets for Direct Contracting Entities (DCE) that would coordinate care and social needs across the spectrum for Medicare beneficiaries, according to a CMS release.
 
While participating DCEs will likely include large health systems and care groups that are used to value-based care models, the National Association of Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) noted in a release to members that this model could provide new opportunities for agencies looking to partner with the DCEs to administer these new home-based benefits.