Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) Model

States Advancing AHEAD
CFDA 93.968 Active Cooperative Agreement
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Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$21M FY2026
$13M
FY24
$21M
FY26*
* estimated

Program Objective

The Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) Model (referred to as “AHEAD” or the “AHEAD Model”), is a voluntary, state-based alternative payment and service delivery model. It focuses on preventative care, empowering patients, protecting taxpayers, and increasing choice and competition.

The AHEAD Model will test a flexible framework that includes statewide or sub-state accountability targets for:
• All-payers and Medicare fee-for-service cost growth.
• Primary care investment.
• Population health outcomes.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • State

Application to the NOFO will be open to all 50 US states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico

How to Apply

Award Procedure

All qualified applications will be forwarded to an objective review committee. The results of the objective review of the applications by qualified experts will be used to advise the CMS approving official. In making these decisions, the CMS approving official will take into consideration: recommendations of the review panel; the readiness of the applicant to conduct the work required; the scope of overall projected impact on the aims; reviews for programmatic and grants management compliance; the reasonableness of the estimated cost to the government and anticipated results; and the likelihood that the proposed project will result in the benefits expected. Notification is made in writing by a Notice of Award (NoA).

Application review period will take approximately 90 days

Program details & compliance

Description

The AHEAD Model is designed to address unsustainable growth of healthcare costs and suboptimal population health outcomes. The model relies on a state-led, multi-payer strategy to increase investments in primary care and prevention, and to improve care coordination across the delivery system.

Mission Categories

Primary: General Health and Medical

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Cooperative Agreement funding will support the following activities:
• Develop Health equity plan, and select state quality measures
• Form state governance structure
• Engage commercial payers, recruit hospitals
• Establish All-Payer and Medicare TCOC growth targets and primary care investment targets
• Identify eligible primary care providers for Primary Care AHEAD
• Onboard to necessary CMS systems
• Attend required learning events

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Katherine J. Sapra, PhD, MPH
410.746.0228
7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244
Laura Snyder
4109609711
7500 Security Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21244
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-03. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:37:23.