CMS is soliciting public input on the "evolution" of its State Innovation Models (SIM) Initiative, which was launched in 2013 to accelerate state design and testing of multi-payer payment and delivery models to generate savings and improve care for Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) beneficiaries. In a September 8, 2016 press release, CMS suggests that states have a "unique leverage point to implement models consistent with the proposed Quality Payment Program (QPP) under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA)." To that end, CMS has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to obtain input on how CMS can partner with states to implement delivery and payment models across multiple payers that could qualify as QPP APMs or Advanced Other Payer APMs to facilitate eligible clinicians in a state becoming qualifying APM participants and earning APM incentives. The RFI also seeks comments on: multi-payer delivery and payment reforms that focus on having providers and the state assume financial accountability for the health outcomes of the entire state population; assessing the impact of specific care interventions across multiple states; and facilitating alignment of state and federal payment and service delivery reform efforts. Comments will be accepted until October 28, 2016.

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