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Modernization
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AHEAD Model

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.
  • Primary care prevents and treats illness, catches health issues early, and manages chronic conditions like diabetes. 
  • More information for providers
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?​
  • 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. 
  • The current Maryland Model is in effect until the end of 2025. On January 1, 2026, the state will transition to the AHEAD model.  
Key AHEAD Documents
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.

​Cost-Shifting and Medicare Advantage Policies​

In fall 2025, the working group led an extensive stakeholder engagement effort to develop a policy framework on: 1) cost shifts that may be necessary to meet the negotiated Medicare savings requirements under AHEAD; and 2) stabilization of the MA market. A draft policy proposal was released for public comment in mid-November, which followed two listening sessions to gather stakeholder input on these topics. The resulting policy recommendation was approved by Governor Moore in December.
All-Payer Total Cost of Care Growth and Primary Care Investment Targets
Statewide accountability requirements under the AHEAD model include targets for all-payer total cost of care growth and all-payer primary care investment. The State’s commitment has been memorialized in an Executive Order issued by the Governor. This was a requirement of the AHEAD Model, due prior to the end of December 2025.

On behalf of the Regulatory Working Group, the HSCRC, MHCC and MIA are forming a short-term advisory council to inform the target-setting methodology. The application period for the advisory closed on December 19, 2025; however, advisory group meetings will be open to the public. 

Please save the dates below for the advisory group meetings; you can pre-register using the following Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-3zcmOW7Qb6gk72_WXlVfQ. 
  • Monday, January 26, 2026: 3:00-4:30
  • Monday, February 23, 2026: 1:00-2:30
  • Friday, April 10, 2026: 1:30-3:00​

Health Services Cost Review Commission
4160 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21215
Phone: 410.764.2605
Fax: 410.358.6217