A new approach to health care under the federal health reform law that rewards hospitals financially for keeping patients healthy at less cost is beginning to yield results in Maine. Under the model, outlined in the Affordable Care Act, health systems throughout the U.S. are forming alliances of doctors and hospitals called "accountable care organizations." ACOs are a cornerstone of the federal law that many hope will slow the ever-rising health care costs eating up more and more of Americans' paychecks. The experimental approach rewards health providers with financial incentives for keeping patients healthy and happy rather than steering them toward more visits and procedures.
