If you recently received a letter about CHCSCT’s participation in an Accountable Care Organization (ACO), you’re in the right place. Community Health Centers of South Central Texas (CHCSCT) is part of an ACO — meaning we’re working more closely with other health care providers to make your care more coordinated and easier to navigate.
If you’ve never heard of an ACO, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
What is an ACO?
An Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is a group of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers who work together to deliver better, more coordinated care for people with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
The big goal is simple: improve health outcomes and the patient experience by helping providers communicate better, avoid unnecessary duplication, and stay aligned on your care plan.
Think of your CHCSCT provider as the quarterback — coordinating your care team and making sure everyone is working toward the same goal.
Just as important: an ACO is not an insurance plan. It’s not Medicare Advantage, and it doesn’t replace your Medicare coverage.
Does this change my Medicare benefits or who I can see?
No. Your Medicare benefits stay the same, and you still have the freedom to see any Medicare-enrolled provider you choose. There is no extra cost to you just because your provider participates in an ACO.
How can an ACO help patients?
Here’s where patients tend to feel the difference. ACOs are designed to strengthen the “behind-the-scenes” parts of care that matter most — like mixed messages, repeated tests, or providers not having the full picture.
Being part of an ACO supports more connected care, including:
- Better care coordination. Your care team can more easily share information like test results, diagnoses, and prescriptions so everyone is working from the same page.
- Support for your overall health. Some patients may qualify for additional services like care management, help with medication self-management, and connecting to community resources.
- More flexibility through telehealth. Phone and video visits can make it easier to get care when an in-person visit isn’t necessary — and may help prevent avoidable hospital visits.
- Less duplication and confusion. When providers communicate better, it can reduce repeated tests and help prevent conflicting treatments.
- Easier access to skilled nursing care. Some patients may qualify for skilled nursing facility stays without needing a prior 3-day hospital admission.
What about privacy?
Your health information is handled in accordance with federal privacy laws. Medicare shares information between your care team to help coordinate your care more effectively. If you’d prefer that Medicare not share your information for care coordination purposes, you can opt out by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY: 1-877-486-2048).
What should you do next?
You don’t need to do anything to “sign up.” But if you’re curious about what support may be available to you, the best next step is simple: ask your CHCSCT care team. You can also read ACO Beneficiary Information Notice – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.
At CHCSCT, being part of an ACO is one more way we’re living out our commitment to care that’s personal, practical, and built around real people — not paperwork.
