AHCA has released a new toolkit to support skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and post-acute care (PAC) providers preparing for the
Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM).
TEAM is a mandatory bundled payment model for hospitals beginning January 1, 2026, in selected Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs). The model holds hospitals accountable for the cost and quality of care during 30-day episodes for five surgical procedures. It includes the 3-day SNF waiver, allowing eligible patients to be admitted to a SNF without a prior three-day hospital stay.
SNF and PAC providers can participate as TEAM collaborators, working with hospitals to improve care coordination and outcomes.
All model participants and collaborators continue to bill Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) for covered services provided during the episode and are subject to a final reconciliation at the end of the performance year.
To help SNF and PAC providers evaluate their readiness and potential role as collaborators under TEAM, AHCA developed a provider toolkit. This resource is designed to:
- Inform providers about the TEAM model;
- Guide facilities in assessing the potential scope and impact of TEAM participation;
- Identify opportunities for partnerships with hospitals; and
- Assist facilities in assessing their TEAM-related data and effectively communicating their value to hospitals.
The provider toolkit is available to members on the
AHCA/NCAL Reimbursement website. Please note a member log-in is required to access it. Additional data on hospital discharge patterns and episodic trends will be available in mid- September on the LTC Trend Trackersm.
AHCA will host a
webinar on TEAM for providers on Tuesday, September 30 from 2:00-3:00pm EDT. Additionally, the AHCA/NCAL Convention and Expo features a
session on TEAM on Tuesday, October 21 from 9:30-10:30 am.
Please reach out to AHCA's Population Health Policy Analyst,
Rohini Achal or
Nisha Hammel, Vice President, Reimbursement Policy & Population Health with any questions.