CMS Administrator, Seema Verma, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary, Tom Price delayed implementation of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (“CJR”) program via an interim final rule. See CMS – 5519 – IFC

The effective date of CJR model implementation originally set for March 21, 2017 was delayed until May 20, 2017. Accordingly, the applicability of the CJR regulations at 42 C.F.R. part 512 are now set to begin on October 1, 2017.

This interim final rule also delays the implementation of other mandatory bundled payment models, including the Cardiac Rehabilitation Incentive Payment Model.

CMS is seeking comment on the appropriateness of the possibility of further delaying the start of these mandatory models until January 1, 2018.

CMS reasons,

… delay is necessary to … ensure that the agency has adequate time to undertake notice and comment rulemaking to modify the policy if modifications are arranged, and to ensure that in such a case participants have a clear understanding of the governing rules and are not required to take needless compliance steps.

Many have speculated about the future of bundled payments under the Trump Administration.

While serving as a member of Congress, HHS Secretary Tom Price publicly opposed CMS’ mandatory initiatives, like CJR. Then Rep. Price urged CMS via a signed letter to “cease all current and future planned mandatory initiatives.” Last year, he also introduced a bill (H.R. 4848) co-sponsored by Rep. David Scott (D-GA) that would have delayed the implementation date of the CJR model until January 1, 2018.

Providers concerned with the feasibility of implementing the CJR model and other mandatory bundled payment initiatives within the current year are urged to submit comments to CMS.

Questions regarding the interim final rule may be submitted to CMS via email at CJR@cms.hhs.gov.