Early Observations Show Safety-Net ACOs Hold Promise To Achieve The Triple Aim And Promote Health Equity

Safety-net accountable care organizations (ACOs) have the potential to deliver cost-effective, patient-centered care that engages patients and contributes to achieving the Triple Aim in Medicaid. Safety-net ACOs are playing increasingly important roles in delivering care for vulnerable populations. Active ACO formation is occurring in at least 18 state Medicaid programs with considerable variability across states, although they have been slower to develop than ACOs serving Medicare or commercial populations. This post will outline five key observations regarding emerging safety-net ACOs and suggest broad policy implications. We are defining safety-net ACOs as collaborative entities of providers and sometimes payers that are 1) accountable for managing the health of their population, 2) assuming upside and/or downside financial risk, and 3) serving predominantly Medicaid (including dual eligibles) and uninsured patients.