What is the AHEAD Model?
AHEAD advances the State’s vision of empowering all Marylanders to achieve optimal health and well-being. AHEAD will be implemented between 2026 to 2034.
Additional information and updates on the AHEAD model will be added to this page as they become available.
How will AHEAD help Marylanders?
Prevent disease by empowering communities.
- Health begins in our families, neighborhoods, schools, and jobs. AHEAD supports all Marylanders in making choices to be able to be healthy, no matter where they live.
Provide better care for Marylanders by expanding advanced primary care.
Provide better care for Marylanders by rewarding hospitals and specialists for high quality care.
Protect taxpayers and patients by controlling spending on health care.
How does AHEAD build on the Maryland Model?
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AHEAD builds upon the successes of the
Maryland Total Cost of Care Model in reducing health care cost growth and improving the quality of health care. AHEAD puts additional focus on helping all Marylanders to stay healthy and get the care they need.
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The current Maryland Model is in effect until the end of 2025. On January 1, 2026, the state will transition to the AHEAD model.
AHEAD Regulatory Working Group
On September 23, 2025, Governor Moore issued a
directive to create a working group of State regulatory agencies, with the aim of achieving the goals and objectives of the State of Maryland under the AHEAD Model. The working group process will prioritize stakeholder insight, input, and guidance to the greatest extent possible, promoting market stability, health care affordability, access, and quality throughout Maryland. This process is outlined in the
multi-agency workplan.
The first two topic areas the working group will address are the need for cost-shifting policies and policies for Medicare Advantage stabilization. The working group held listening sessions to gather stakeholder input on these topics on October 29th and November 5th. The working group will then develop and post a policy proposal for public comment by mid-November. After public comment is received and integrated, a final proposal will be submitted for the Governor’s consideration in early December, with a policy decision anticipated in late December.
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Listening Session 1: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 2–3:30 PM
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Listening Session 2: Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 2–3:30 PM
