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 […]

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 […]

Medicare Direct Contracting Is Now ACO REACH: What You Need to Know

Despite pressure from some advocates to drop the Medicare Direct Contracting program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Centers for Medicare and Medicare Innovation (CMMI) has updated MDC into an accountable care organization program with an increased focus on health equity. It’s a win-win for providers looking to access value-based care and payments. […]

Maximizing Medicare Revenue Webinar: Key Takeaways and Next Steps

By 2030, one in every five Americans will be 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That year, Medicare spending will hit $1.7 trillion, up from $835 billion in 2020, estimates the Congressional Budget Office. But don’t expect business as usual. While The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have experimented with […]

Relieving Provider Pressures During COVID-19 Second Wave

Providers barely had time to take a breath before confronting a new round of COVID-19, driven primarily by the Delta variant. Above and beyond caring for COVID patients, this deadly scourge continues to tax our health systems and their health care workers: Collaborate with COPE Health Solutions As we did during the first COVID-19 round, […]