They are finally here: The rules on how physicians, hospitals, and other health care providers can form the alliances known as accountable care organizations (ACOs). The proposed rules will give all interested parties lots to think about. Clocking in at some 400-odd pages, the proposal brought howls of protest from Republicans. Said putative Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich: The proposal is yet another example of government overreach.
For that and more, listen to this week's Policy & Practice Podcast: