AHEAD Model States Announced

CMS/CMMI has announced the states that will participate in the first cohort of the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model – Maryland, Vermont, Connecticut, and  Hawaii. Four additional states expected to be announced later in 2024.

AHEAD is an all-payer model with hospital global budgets; investments in primary care; and total cost of care (TCOC) accountability.  Each state receives up to $12M during first five years to assist in operationalization.

AHEAD is an interesting model because it features hospital global budgets, a component that many say is key to slowing health care cost growth and improving population health.  AHEAD also includes enhanced primary care payments for practice and care transformation.  It is an interesting model and we’ll be watching to see what the AHEAD model can teach other states as everyone strives to use resources to optimize population health.