NAACOS Issues Response to HHS Request for Information on Healthcare Sector Innovation Investment Workgroup

On Friday, July 6, the National Associations of ACOs (NAACOS) submitted comments in response to HHS’ Request for Information on establishing a Healthcare Sector Innovation Investment Workgroup to foster new and innovative approaches to tackle challenges facing the healthcare system.

The workgroup would serve as a forum for HHS leadership to engage in a dialogue with those focused on innovating and investing in the healthcare industry. Specifically, HHS is pursuing thoughts on how to structure the workgroup in order to spur communication and understanding between parties that will foster investment in the healthcare industry, increase competition, improve innovation, and allow capital investment in the healthcare sector in order to produce significant impact on health in the United States.

NAACOS responded to multiple questions HHS had about the potential workgroup, including:

• Should the workgroup review recent developments in health innovation and testing?
• Should the workgroup examine perceived barriers to innovation and competition in the healthcare industry?
• Should the workgroup encourage outside parties to provide HHS with information about how they are affected by HHS programs or regulatory requirements? Specifically, should the workgroup provide a forum for attendees to share their perspectives as to how the department may improve relevant regulations, guidance, or other documents?
• Should the workgroup examine ways to encourage private sector investment to help combat health crises?
• What other areas of focus would best help the department engage with diverse subsectors of the healthcare industry and investment industry in order to increase innovation and investment in the healthcare sector?

See all of the questions, and NAACOS’ responses, here.