What does the Medicare Shared Savings Program aim to improve?

The Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) is designed to enhance the quality of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries while simultaneously reducing costs within the healthcare system. This program encourages healthcare providers to work together in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to deliver coordinated care, which is essential in improving patient outcomes and managing healthcare expenses effectively.

By fostering collaboration among various healthcare providers, the MSSP aims to transform healthcare delivery through integrated care approaches. This not only helps in monitoring and improving the quality of services but also aligns financial incentives to support cost-effective care practices. As ACOs become more streamlined and efficient, they are empowered to deliver better healthcare services that ultimately lead to better health outcomes for patients.

The focus on improving cost management within the MSSP is pivotal because it seeks to ensure that savings can be shared among providers who successfully meet quality benchmarks while reducing unnecessary expenditures. Thus, the goal of the program is clearly aligned with enhancing both the quality of care and overall cost-effectiveness, which is aptly captured in the option selected.