Due to the high level of interest in the Comprehensive End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Care Initiative, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center has extended the deadline for letters of intent from March 15^th  to May 15^th  and the deadline for applications from May 1^st to July 1, 2013. Medicare beneficiaries with ESRD have significant care needs, and the purpose of the initiative is to test and assess a new model of payment and care delivery for these patients in order to improve health outcomes and access to services, as well as reduce per-capita expenditures. Fifteen ESRD Seamless Care Organizations (ESCOs) will be selected to assist in evaluating the effectiveness of this model over a five-year period. Eligible applicants must serve a minimum of 500 patients and include Medicare Certified dialysis facilities, nephrologists/nephrology practices, and other Medicare providers and suppliers. Click here to view the Request for Applications.