LibGuides: MACRA and MIPS Information: What Is MACRA?

Introduction

What is MACRA?
MACRA is the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, federal legislation passed in 2015 to change the way Medicare pays healthcare professionals.

Why is MACRA being implemented?
MACRA's goal is to change the way the US pays for healthcare. Currently, healthcare providers are paid based on the number of services they perform. MACRA will shift the US healthcare system to a model where healthcare professionals are paid based on the quality of care they provide.

What are are the types of payment models in MACRA?
MACRA has two types of value-based payment models: the Alternative Payment Models (APMs) and the Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS). Starting in 2017, healthcare providers will need to participate in one of these two types of models in order to receive Medicare payments.

Where do I start?

Quality Payment Program (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
The official MACRA website, structured as a simple guide that walks users through the many different pieces of MACRA. It includes information about the requirements for both APMs and MIPS.
MACRA (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Information from CMS about healthcare delivery system reform and Medicare payment reform.
The Medicare Access & CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015: Path to Value (CMS)
These slides explain how MACRA fits into the larger goals of changing the healthcare system, including an explanation of how it will affect physicians.

This guide was last updated: January 22, 2018