Evaluating the Formation and Performance of ACOs: Optimizing Management of Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries, Phase 5

The Dartmouth team will launch the fourth wave of the National Survey of ACOs, adding organizations formed in 2015 and 2016. The team will also study ACOs’ impact on management of dual-eligible beneficiaries’ health care and costs by linking previous survey waves (2012–14) with Medicare claims data. In addition to analyzing the characteristics, contracts, and capabilities associated with successful management of duals’ care, the team will analyze whether treatment patterns affect assignment to an ACO. In so doing, the researchers will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare ACOs’ current attribution process for complex patients. This project will enrich health systems leaders’ and policymakers’ understanding of the ACO model nationwide while also informing the development of ACO programs for dual eligibles and other high need, high-cost beneficiaries.