Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: September 14, 2020
The Shared Savings Program application dates for a January 1, 2026 agreement start date are now available and posted on the Application Types and Timelines webpage.
Medicare Shared Savings Program (Shared Savings Program) ACOs are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers who collaborate to give coordinated high-quality care to people with Medicare, focusing on delivering the right care at the right time, while avoiding unnecessary services and medical errors. When an ACO succeeds in both delivering high-quality care and spending health care dollars more wisely, the ACO may be eligible to share in the savings it achieves for the Medicare program (also known as performance payments).
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Program Updates
In the News
Find recent press releases about the program.
- 7/14/2025: Calendar Year 2026 Payment Policies under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program, which includes proposed changes to the Shared Savings Program.
- Press Release: CMS Proposes Physician Payment Rule to Significantly Cut Spending Waste, Enhance Quality Measures, and Improve Chronic Disease Management for People with Medicare
- Shared Savings Program Fact Sheet: CY 2026 PFS Proposed Rule Medicare Shared Savings Program Proposals
- Quality Payment Program (QPP): QPP 2026 Proposed Rule Resources
- PFS Fact Sheet: CY 2026 PFS Proposed Rule Fact Sheet
- Proposed Rule: CY 2026 PFS Proposed Rule
- 1/15/2025 Fact Sheet: CMS Moves Closer to Accountable Care Goals with 2025 ACO Initiatives
Program Resources
Application Information
Find information about the Shared Savings Program application process. Learn more >
Program Guidance & Specifications
Find guidance and specification documents relevant to program participation, quality reporting, data and report sharing, beneficiary information, and financial and assignment methodology. Learn more >
Program Data
Find publicly available datasets related to ACO participation and performance. Learn more >
Program Statutes & Regulations
Find final rules, program statutes, and other regulatory documents for the Shared Savings Program. Learn more >
Contact Information
Find contact information to use for Shared Savings Program inquiries.
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DISCLAIMER: The contents of this database lack the force and effect of law, except as authorized by law (including Medicare Advantage Rate Announcements and Advance Notices) or as specifically incorporated into a contract. The Department may not cite, use, or rely on any guidance that is not posted on the guidance repository, except to establish historical facts.