The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced the States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development Model (AHEAD Model), with the aim to support health equity in its states.

This initiative aims to enhance healthcare management in participating states, addressing chronic diseases, behavioural health, and medical conditions.

Under the AHEAD Model, states will work to increase access to primary care, create sustainable healthcare spending patterns, and lower costs for patients.

The model emphasises quality and population health outcomes while reducing avoidable healthcare spending.

It seeks to strengthen primary care, improve care coordination, and address social determinants to health, such as housing and transportation.

CMS will provide up to $12m to support state implementation, and states can participate in one of three cohorts with staggered start dates.

Deputy CMS administrator and innovation centre director Liz Fowler said: “Primary care is the foundation of a high-performing health system and essential to improving health outcomes for patients and lowering health care costs.

“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 organisations that address health-related social needs.

“Through AHEAD, more states will have the exciting opportunity to both improve the overall health of their population, support primary care, and transform health care in their communities.”