The researchers recommend that quality programs take into account patients' socioeconomic characteristics, such as race and income, when adjusting for risk in provider quality programs.

A new rule from CMS finalizes three new mandatory bundled payment models for heart attack treatment, bypass surgery, and surgical hip and femur fracture treatment covered under Medicare, updates CMS' existing bundled payment model for hip and knee replacements, and announces a new Medicare accountable care organization track.

A new rule from CMS finalizes three new mandatory bundled payment models for heart attack treatment, bypass surgery, and surgical hip and femur fracture treatment covered under Medicare, updates CMS' existing bundled payment model for hip and knee replacements, and announces a new Medicare accountable care organization track.

From new ways to pay physicians under Medicare to a long-discussed legislative package aimed at supporting U.S. medical innovations, 2016 brought major health care reform efforts that could shape the U.S. health system for years to come. American Health Line breaks down our picks for the top players who shook up the industry in 2016.

CMS also is creating new opportunities for providers to participate in the Next Generation Accountable Care Organization and Comprehensive Primary Care Plus models.

Under the five-year waiver Massachusetts will shift its Medicaid program from a fee-for-service model to a system of accountable care organizations.

The all-payer model will be used as a test to determine whether tying health care payments to health outcomes, instead of the current fee-for-service payment model, improves care quality.

Reaction to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act final rule is mixed, with some stakeholders applauding the rule's added flexibility and others raising concern that going forward CMS might continue to kick certain requirements down the road, like it has done with the meaningful use program.

American Health Line rounds up the latest health care news in the states.

If the draft agreement is finalized, Vermont will be the first state to adopt an all-payer health care system that would cover all providers.