Maryland became the first state to sign onto the federal States Advancing All-Payer Equity Approaches and Development Model (AHEAD Model) today, marking a significant commitment to health care innovation, cost control, and population health improvements across the state. The landmark agreement, signed by Governor Wes Moore alongside top state and federal health officials, will spearhead Maryland’s efforts to reduce health disparities, support primary care, and manage costs for all payers, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers.
“Maryland is leading the nation through its participation in the AHEAD Model, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future,” Governor Moore said at the signing event. “Affordable, accessible, and equitable health care is the foundation on which we build everything else—from safer neighborhoods to more vibrant communities.”
Maryland’s unique position as a healthcare leader is underscored by the state’s existing all-payer hospital system, known for reducing per capita hospital expenditures while focusing on quality improvements. The AHEAD Model builds on this system, adding targeted support for health equity and improved health-related social needs to better serve Maryland’s underserved populations.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure praised Maryland’s participation, saying, “Maryland’s participation in the AHEAD Model is a critical step forward in improving the overall health of its residents, supporting primary care, transforming health care in communities throughout the state, and addressing disparities in the health care system. CMS applauds Maryland’s leadership in slowing health care costs while driving innovation and improving health care delivery for Marylanders.”
The AHEAD Model, scheduled to roll out on January 1, 2026, will feature expanded tools for Maryland’s healthcare system, including resources to support regional partnerships, strengthen primary care, and address disparities. These elements align with Maryland’s established Total Cost of Care Model, which limits per capita Medicare spending and aligns with the Affordable Care Act’s broader goals for reduced hospitalizations and improved health outcomes.
Supporting the AHEAD initiative, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin emphasized Maryland’s longstanding commitment to healthcare innovation. “For nearly 50 years, Maryland has worked to champion healthcare innovation, so that every Marylander has access to high-quality health care,” he noted. “We must continue our commitment to health equity and use this new system to work towards the elimination of long-standing health disparities.”
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen also reinforced Maryland’s ambitious goals under the AHEAD Model. “Maryland is the first state to enter into this innovative partnership with the federal government to achieve our triple goal: quality, affordable, equitable health care for every Marylander,” he said, adding that the model’s implementation will contribute to a healthier future across the state.
As part of its mission, the AHEAD Model will target areas of Maryland’s health landscape that need bolstering, including expanded access to primary care and targeted investment in underserved communities. Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health, expressed optimism for the changes the AHEAD Model will bring. “With a focus on improving access to primary care and addressing population health needs of Marylanders, under AHEAD we will expand upon the work initiated by the Total Cost of Care Model,” she said.
To guide implementation, the Maryland Department of Health is working with stakeholders to establish specific goals for cost growth, equity improvements, and investments in primary care. These efforts will include developing regional partnerships to further AHEAD Model goals across Maryland, according to the Health Services Cost Review Commission Chair Dr. Joshua Sharfstein.
“This is an exciting day for health and health care in Maryland,” Dr. Sharfstein said. “Building on our strong legacy of innovation and our track record of national leadership, Maryland is working towards a health care system that provides accessible, affordable, and high-quality clinical care and supports the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.”
Maryland’s participation in the AHEAD Model is a precedent-setting move, and the state is joined by five other areas—Vermont, Connecticut, Hawaii, Rhode Island, and specific New York regions—selected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to implement similar health equity strategies in their healthcare systems. This multi-state initiative highlights the growing trend toward comprehensive healthcare reform in partnership with federal agencies, aiming to build sustainable, equitable health care that responds to the needs of diverse populations.
For more information about Maryland’s involvement in the AHEAD Model, visit hscrc.maryland.gov.
