As we near the end of May, critical deadlines for participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program (“MSSP”) for program year 2017 are approaching.  Under the MSSP ACO Final Rule, CMS finalized new regulations that established a process for and the timing of initial applications for participation in the MSSP and renewals of existing participation agreements.  CMS made clear that an application or renewal may be denied if the applicant fails to submit information by the required deadlines.  Health care providers and suppliers interested in participating in, as well as participants from program year 2014 seeking to apply to renew their agreements for, the MSSP for program year 2017 should take note of the upcoming deadlines for the 2017 Application Cycle.

New ACOs applying to the MSSP must submit a Notice of Intent to Apply (NOIA) to CMS on or before Tuesday May 31, 2016 at 5 p.m. (EST).  Likewise, current ACOs with a 2014 start date interested in renewing their agreements with CMS for the next three-year agreement period must also submit a NOIA to CMS on or before the same deadline.  Lastly, Track 3 ACOs that are currently participating or applying to participate in the MSSP must submit their SNF 3-Day Waiver NOIA on or before the same deadline.