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What is an accountable care organization (ACO)?
An accountable care organization is a group of providers who give coordinated care and chronic disease management. Its payment is tied to meeting quality goals and saving costs.
Definition and figures from HealthCare.gov glossary, checked October 23, 2026. This page explains the term; it does not recommend a plan.
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ACO: the facts
| Item | Fact | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Payment tied to | Quality goals and outcomes that produce savings | HealthCare.gov glossary: Accountable care organization |
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What does ACO mean in health insurance?
An accountable care organization is a group of providers who give coordinated care and chronic disease management. Its payment is tied to meeting quality goals and saving costs.