This morning CMS provided a template of the application for the new Advanced Payment ACO Model announced by the CMMI in the fall. Through the Advance Payment Model, selected  physician-based and rural ACOs participating in the Shared Savings Program will receive advance payments that will be recouped from the shared savings they earn.

You can access the application template, eligibility criteria and information on the application process through the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation’s Advanced Payment Model Application Information webpage.

Note that online applications for the first round (an April 1, 2012 start date) will be available January 3, 2012. These applications are due February 1, 2012. The second round of applications for a July 1, 2012 start date begins March 1, 2012.