3 Indiana networks join Medicare savings program

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Three Indiana health care networks are joining a program to hold down Medicare costs by coordinating care for beneficiaries.

The Department of Health and Human Services said Monday that accountable care organizations formed by Evansville-based Deaconess Care Integration, Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health and Franciscan AHN of Mishawaka now are participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program created under the federal health care law. Another Indiana network, Franciscan St. Francis Health of Indianapolis, joined the program earlier.

Groups of doctors and other health care providers form accountable care organizations to coordinate care for Medicare beneficiaries. The organizations enter agreements with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to take responsibility for the quality of care they provide in return for the opportunity to share in cost savings.