Health Care Flexibility Act (H.R. 5347)

Summary

Changes how healthcare groups report quality data to Medicare by making sure different ways to submit information are available and by testing a new digital system.

What problem does this solve?

Some healthcare groups struggle to report quality data to Medicare because they lack the specific technology required for a single reporting method. This bill requires Medicare to accept multiple data collection types for several years and creates a pilot program to help groups move to digital reporting.

What does this bill do?

Requires multiple data collection options for quality reporting

For performance years 2025 through 2029, requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make sure that three specific types of data collection are available for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to report quality measures.

Establishes a pilot program for digital quality reporting

Creates a pilot program from 2028 to 2032 for selected healthcare groups to report quality measures using a new digital method, with technical help provided.

Provides flexibility for incomplete data submissions

Prevents Medicare from rejecting a healthcare group's quality data just because it is missing information from one participant, as long as that participant was unable to provide the data in the required format.

Reduces reporting requirements for pilot participants

Allows healthcare groups in the digital reporting pilot program to skip reporting on other quality measures they would normally be required to submit.

Requires public reporting on the pilot program's results

Requires the Secretary to publicly post an analysis of the digital reporting pilot, recommendations, and a proposed timeline for requiring digital submissions by December 31, 2032.

Who does this affect?

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)
Healthcare providers in the Medicare Shared Savings Program
Medicare administrators

What is the real world impact?

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Reduces reporting burdens for healthcare providers

Makes it easier for healthcare groups in the Medicare Shared Savings Program to report their quality data by allowing more flexibility. This helps ensure they can continue participating in the program without needing to immediately adopt new, expensive technology.

When does this start?

This bill sets up several different start dates and timelines for its rules and programs.

Flexible reporting options available

For performance years 2025 through 2029, specific data collection types for quality reporting must be made available.

New data completeness rule begins

Starting on or after January 1, 2025, a new rule for how data completeness is judged will apply.

Digital reporting pilot program runs

A pilot program for digital quality measure reporting will run for performance years 2028 through 2032.

Report on pilot program due

By December 31, 2032, the Secretary must publicly post an analysis of the pilot program and recommendations for the future.