Arkansas Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative

In September 2012, Arkansas was chosen as one of seven markets to participate in the Comprehensive Primary Care initiative. This multi-payer initiative brings together five payers including Medicare, 63 participating primary care practices (originially 69 but 6 practices are no longer participating) and 275 providers serving over 54,000 beneficiaries across the state.  The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will pay a management fee of $20 PBPM to participating physicians/clinics who agree to provide enhanced services such as staying open for longer hours on weekends or providing counseling about nutrition and how to stop smoking. They also include a commitment to coordinate care for the patient, especially for those with special needs and chronic diseases. Simultaneously, participating commercial, state and other federal insurance plans will offer enhanced payment to primary care practices. Selected practices may also receive shared savings payments in the later years of the initiative.