Which program aims to simplify federal regulation of payment and health IT?

The correct choice is MACRA, which stands for the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act. This legislation was designed to streamline the complexities related to federal payments and health information technology. By consolidating various programs into the Quality Payment Program (QPP), MACRA aims to provide healthcare providers with a framework that promotes quality care rather than volume. It encourages the use of electronic health records and various performance measures to enhance the efficiency and quality of patient care.

The significance of MACRA lies in its focus on value-based care, incentivizing providers to improve quality metrics while also reducing unnecessary administrative burdens. It effectively replaces previous payment models such as the Sustainable Growth Rate system, thereby creating a more predictable and simplified pathway for reimbursement.

In contrast, other options do not specifically address the regulation simplification objective in the same way. MIPS (Merit-based Incentive Payment System) is part of MACRA but represents a component that evaluates provider performance rather than an overarching simplification of regulations. APM (Alternative Payment Models) also falls under MACRA, focusing on alternative reimbursement methods without encompassing the broader regulatory simplifications that MACRA provides. Lastly, the ACA (Affordable Care Act) is primarily focused on expanding healthcare coverage and access rather than specifically simplifying payment and health