Million Hearts: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model Application Deadline Extension

Million Hearts: Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model Application Deadline Extension

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce that the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model (the Model) letter of intent (LOI) and application deadline has been extended to October 8, 2015 in response to the strong program interest. Hundreds of applicants, ranging from small to large size practices, from across the country have already expressed interest in this innovative model. CMS is allowing a short extension to assure that all interested practices have an opportunity to complete their applications to become part of this important initiative.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, accounting for one in three deaths, and the annual national costs are estimated at over $300 billion annually. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the national goal of shifting 85% of all traditional Medicare payments to quality and value by 2016. The Model represents a call to action as the first of its kind, large-scale test to determine whether financially rewarding reductions in 10-year predicted risk of initial heart attack or stroke across a physician’s patient population is an effective model for value-based prevention. The Model employs a randomized-controlled design; CMS is seeking a diverse range of at least of 720 practices, approximately 360 intervention and 360 control group practices, varying in size, patient case mix, and other patient demographic factors. The Model’s value-based payments incentivize the reduction in predicted risk of heart attack and stroke while rewarding clinicians on a sliding scale tiered by absolute risk reduction across their high-risk patient pane. This innovative model is designed to increase incentives for health management of all patients within the practice without any penalty for not meeting goals.

Applicants must submit a letter of intent and a complete application in order to be considered for this important initiative.

More information about the Model, including frequently asked questions, can be found on the Million Hearts: Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Model web page.