The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) new initiative titled Making Care Primary (MCP) is set to commence on July 1, 2024. As indicated in a recent post produced by the esteemed legal firm, Foley & Lardner LLP, significant highlights of this impending model have been comprehensively evaluated.
From their insightful dissection, several intriguing aspects of this new program have come to light. Primarily, in a surprising move, the CMS opened the window for applications much earlier: on September 5, 2023. It’s necessary to underscore the imminent deadline for these applications – the window will finally close on November 30, 2023.
The CMS anticipates that this new program will catalyze a paradigm shift, with medical care being positioned at the forefront of attention. By putting preventative and primary care services at the center, it aims to improve service quality, accessibility, and ultimately patient health outcomes by intervening earlier in the course of illness.
While one might argue about the efficacy of such a shift, it’s important to note that this is part of a larger strategy by the CMS to redefine healthcare. As seen in multiple other initiatives, the goal is to shift from a volume-based system to one that is more focused on value.
For legal professionals working in health law, corporate law, or contract law, these changes will undoubtedly present multiple opportunities and challenges. It’s prudent to closely watch these developments and ascertain their short-term and long-term impact on the clients they represent.
In terms of the application process, details are currently scarce. Nevertheless, affected organizations and legal firms should begin preparations in earnest as the deadline approaches swiftly. For ongoing updates and contemporary insights on this matter, following expert blogs such as that by Foley & Lardner LLP is highly recommended.