Practices interested in joining the Primary Care First (PCF), Direct Contracting, or Kidney Care Choices models should note the application periods are currently open. These models have various start dates, but financial accountability under all models will not begin until CY 2021, which is the first year each model will qualify as an Advanced alternative payment model (APM).

·     PCF: Applications are due by Jan. 22 for participation starting in 2021. 

·     Direct Contracting: A letter of intent to apply is due by Dec. 10 and applications are due by Feb. 25 for participation in the “Implementation Period” in 2020. The Implementation Period is intended to allow practices time to build relationships and develop infrastructure before assuming financial accountability in CY 2021. Alternatively, practices may forgo participation in an Implementation Period and begin participation in CY 2021; these practices do not need to submit an application at this time.

·     Kidney Care Choices: Like the Direct Contracting model, this model will have an Implementation Period in 2020, performance will begin in 2021, and only those seeking to participate in the Implementation Period need to submit an application by Jan. 22.

For more information, including links to application materials, visit MGMA’s APM landing page.