Key Considerations for AHEAD Version 2.0
As we write to you in June 2024, the first cohort application dates have passed and the third in August remains. Our team highlights key considerations for hospitals below: 1. Hospitals Should Monitor Whether Their State Applied for Cohorts 1 & 2 or Intend to Apply for Cohort 3Applications for the first two cohorts were […]
4 Ways Community Health Workers Impact Primary Care Clinic Performance
Community Health Workers (CHWs), also referred to as Promotores, are community-based frontline health workers experienced in providing linguistic and culturally sensitive, individualized whole person care in both clinical and non-clinical environments. CHWs can enhance access to and quality of primary care and are often underutilized due to a lack of understanding of their capabilities and […]
Investing in NPs/PAs to Improve Primary Care Provider Shortages
At the end of February, the Millbank Memorial Fund released their 2024 primary care scorecard entitled ‘No One Can See You Now’. A bleak assessment of primary care in the United States, the scorecard identifies five key contributors to the ever-worsening patient access crisis, the top two of which cite the need for workforce expansion1: […]
Key Considerations for AHEAD
BackgroundIn September 2023, the CMS released the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) model. At that time, we shared with you five key initial considerations. With the recent release of Version 1.0 of CMS’ Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) global budget methodology our team has put together some updated considerations for health systems in states […]
5 Things to Know About Community Health Workers
Community Health Workers (CHWs), also known as Promotores, are community-based professionals who provide culturally competent, person-centered support. CHWs provide a range of services for vulnerable populations to close gaps in care and navigate resources to help members better self-manage their health and social needs. 1. CHWs typically reside in the communities they serve, offering practical […]
5 Things for Health Systems in Potential Participating States to Know About the AHEAD Program
5 Things for Health Systems in Participating States to Know About the AHEAD ProgramOn September 5, 2023, CMS released a new, voluntary state total cost of care model called the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model. CMS plans to collaborate with states to increase investment in primary care, improve overall population […]
Strategic Relationships in Partnerships
As in any relationship, strategic relationships require time and commitment to develop a partnership with mutual benefits. It all begins with an introduction which will test the chemistry and the objectives between the two parties. At times, even when all the strategies are aligned, the interactions may not be comfortable. It’s an indication that the […]
4 Things to Know About the CMS MCP Request for Application
On August 14, CMS published the Request For Application (RFA) for Making Care Primary (MCP), a progressive roadmap to value-based payment for primary care providers with little-to-no VBP experience. The eight states selected for the MCP model are: Colorado, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, upstate New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Washington. MCP’s payment, quality […]
4 Things for Washington Providers to Know About the CMS MCP Request for Application
On August 14, CMS published the Request For Application (RFA) for Making Care Primary (MCP), a progressive roadmap to value-based payment for primary care providers with little-to-no VBP experience. CMS has indicated that the program may be aligned with the upcoming Washington 1115 Medicaid Waiver amendment which will have its own primary care enhancement program […]
Why You Should Apply for ACO REACH
Health care providers have a narrow window to decide to take advantage of the newest alternative payments program from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). Just two weeks ago, CMMI announced it is replacing the Medicare Direct Contracting program with the ACO Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (ACO REACH), an accountable care […]