CMS Selects Rhode Island for Comprehensive Care Plus (CPC+)

CMS opened the application for practices to apply for Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+), the largest-ever initiative to improve primary care in America. CPC+ rewards value and quality through an innovative payment structure to support comprehensive primary care and has selected Rhode Island as one of 14 participating regions.  CTC-RI has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document  to help RI primary care practices understand how the CPC+ initiative will be implemented in our state.  In Rhode Island CMS has provisionally selected four payer partners, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Rhode Island Medicaid, Tufts Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare. 

The 2017 CTC expansion will include unaffiliated primary care practices (from 40-45 practices) that successfully apply for CPC+ Track 1.  The CTC/CPC+ Fact Sheet  provides additional information on upcoming webinars and in-person meetings that CTC will be hosting to assist practices with understanding eligibility, payment and delivery system requirements. 

Some highlights on eligibility requirements include:

Practices within ACOs participating in the ACO Investment Model (AIM), Next Generation ACO Model, or other shared savings programs may not participate in CPC+.

FQHC’s and concierge practices may not participate in CPC+

Primary care practices need to have 150 attributed Medicare fee for service beneficiaries

By January 1st, 2017, practices will adopt a 2015 edition of a certified electronic health record.

CPC+ is the largest ever multi-payer initiative to improve primary care.  Only practices in selected states may apply.  This delivery system reform effort aims to provide better care, smarter spending and healthier people in primary care.  There are two program tracks to accommodate practices at different levels of transformation.  The on-line application is due September 15, 2016 (Submit a CPC+ application via the online portal). 

Want to learn more about CPC+?

-          Get your questions answered in the Practice FAQs.

-          Register for one of the 20 upcoming CPC+ Practice Open Door Forums in August and September.

-          Watch the CPC+ Video Series to get an overview of CPC+ payment innovations and care delivery transformation.

-          Download the CPC+ toolkit: CPC+ In Brief, CPC+ Care Delivery Transformation Brief, and CPC+ Payment Innovations Brief and Case Studies.