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CMS Enhancing Oncology Model Updates: RFA Issued for Second Cohort

chemotherapy treatment with patient and doctor

Key CMMI updates to the EOM 

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) released exciting updates to the Enhancing Oncology Model (EOM) along with a new opportunity for a second cohort of participants.  

The EOM aims to enhance the quality of care for cancer patients while reducing costs under the Medicare fee-for-service program. The updates come on the heels of lower-than-expected model participation.  

This blog will discuss key EOM updates, application details, eligibility requirements and important deadlines. 

New cohort opportunity 

Request for applications:

CMS issued an RFA to recruit a second cohort of participants and payers for the EOM. 

Timeline: 

  • Second cohort start date: July 1, 2025 

  • Second cohort end date: June 30, 2030 

  • Initial performance period start date: July 1, 2023 

  • Model test end date for all participants: June 30, 2030 (extended from June 30, 2028) 

Notable changes to the EOM model 

  1. Model extension: The model's duration is extended by two years, to June 30, 2030. 

  1. Higher monthly payment for enhanced services: Monthly Enhanced Oncology Services payments will increase: 

  • from $70 to $110 per individual per month; and 

  • from $70 to $140 per month for dually eligible individuals. 

  1. Higher threshold for recoupment: The threshold for recoupment will rise from 98% to 100% of the benchmark amount for new episodes initiated, starting Jan. 1, 2025. 


Eligibility and participation 

Eligible participants: 

Medicare-enrolled oncology physician group practices identifiable by a unique federal taxpayer identification number. Participants must implement eight “participant redesign activities” to improve care quality. Participants are financially responsible for the total cost of care for each attributed episode (a six-month period following a Medicare recipient's qualifying cancer-related chemotherapy administration). 

Eligible payers: 

  • private payers 

  • Medicare Advantage plans 

  • State Medicaid agencies 

  • Medicaid-managed care organizations 

Application details 

Eligibility criteria: 

Detailed EOM cohort 2 eligibility criteria are available in the RFA. 

Application timeline: 

  • Application portal open date: July 1, 2024 

  • Application portal close date: Sept. 16, 2024 

Further information: 

Details on how to apply will be provided soon. 

Interested in participating? Contact DataGen today! 

These updates to the EOM reaffirm CMS' commitment to improving oncology care while managing healthcare costs effectively. The increased MEOS payments and higher recoupment thresholds reflect a significant step forward in supporting oncology practices in delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. 

For those interested in participating, mark your calendars for the application period starting July 1, 2024. CMS will have several webinar sessions with more model details this summer. DataGen’s EOM solution can help oncology practices evaluate risks and opportunities under the EOM specifications. Contact us today to get a free consultation.  

Stay tuned for more detailed information on how to apply. 

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