According to CMS, the AHEAD model (see CMS fact sheet) will:

Focus resources and investment on primary care services, giving primary care practices the ability to improve care management and better address chronic disease, behavioral health and other conditions.
Provide hospitals with a prospective payment stream through hospital global budgets, while including incentives to improve beneficiaries' population health and equity outcomes.
Address health-care disparities through stronger coordination across health care providers, payers and community organizations in participating states or regions.
Address the needs of individuals with Medicare and/or Medicaid by increased screening and referrals to community resources such as housing and transportation.

Related: Primary care doctor shortage: Are we reaching a tipping point?

"Primary care is the foundation of a high-performing health system and essential to improving health outcomes for patients and lowering health-care costs," said Liz Fowler, deputy CMS administrator and Innovation Center director. "For that reason, the CMS Innovation Center has invested significant time and resources over the years testing models to strengthen primary care and improve care coordination and linkages to organizations that address health-related social needs. Through AHEAD, more states will have the exciting opportunity to improve the overall health of their population, support primary care and transform health care in their communities."

Instant Insights /

Looking 'AHEAD': CMS rolls out ambitious new primary care program for 8 states

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