# Plain Language Summary: Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act

## What This Bill Does

This bill extends financial incentive payments for doctors and healthcare providers who participate in "alternative payment models" under Medicare. These are programs designed to reward healthcare providers for delivering better quality care and controlling costs, rather than simply billing for each service provided. The bill essentially delays the end date of these bonus payments by one year and increases the payment amounts for 2027.

## Who Is Affected

**Primary beneficiaries:** Healthcare providers (doctors, hospitals, and accountable care organizations) who participate in Medicare alternative payment models will continue receiving bonus payments for a longer period and at higher rates. **Secondary impact:** Medicare beneficiaries (seniors and disabled individuals) may benefit indirectly if these incentives encourage providers to maintain or improve quality of care and cost management practices.

## Key Changes

The bill makes three main changes to Medicare law:

- **Extended timeline:** Pushes the deadline for these incentive payments from 2026 to 2027 (and related provisions from 2027 to 2028)
- **Increased payment rates:** Raises the bonus payment percentage to 3.53% for 2027 (up from 1.88%)
- **Broader participation:** Allows more providers to qualify for these incentive payments by extending the program's duration

The bill has bipartisan support, introduced by senators from both parties, suggesting agreement that maintaining these financial incentives helps encourage healthcare providers to participate in cost-control and quality-improvement programs.

Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act

Barrasso, John

Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care ActThis bill extends through 2027 certain incentive payments for health professionals who participate in eligible alternative payment models under Medicare.