Connecticut, Hawaii Joining Maryland, Vermont in CMS’ AHEAD Model

Model will provide funding but also hold participating states accountable for controlling overall growth in healthcare expenditures and improving population health outcomes

David Raths
July 3, 2024

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has confirmed that Maryland and Vermont will participate in the first cohort of its state-based AHEAD all-payer model, with Connecticut participating in the second cohort, and Hawaii also expected to join.

The States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model will hold participating states accountable for controlling overall growth in healthcare expenditures and improving population health outcomes. CMS will issue agreements to each participating state, which could receive up to $12 million from CMS during the first five and a half years of the model to support implementation.

CMS will select four more states this fall. States interested in participating in Cohort 3 must submit a letter of intent to CMS by July 26 and submit an application by 3 p.m. ET Aug. 12.

Maryland and Vermont will participate in Cohort 1, while Connecticut will participate in Cohort 2. Hawaii will also participate, pending satisfaction of certain requirements.

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CMS.gov

States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model

On July 2, 2024 CMS announced that Connecticut, Maryland, and Vermont will be the first state participants in the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model. Hawaii will also participate, pending satisfaction of certain requirements.

Applications to participate in Cohort 3 of the model are due August 12, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. EST (Cohort 3). Eligibility requirements and additional model details can be found in the NOFO. To stay up to date on model announcements, events, and resources, please sign up for the AHEAD Model listserv.

On September 5, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new voluntary, state total cost of care (TCOC) model: the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development Model (“States Advancing AHEAD” or “AHEAD” Model). CMS’s goal in the AHEAD Model is to collaborate with states to curb health care cost growth; improve population health; and advance health equity by reducing disparities in health outcomes. CMS will support participating states through various AHEAD Model components that aim to increase investment in primary care, provide financial stability for hospitals, and support beneficiary connection to community resources.

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