In partnership with CMMI, Maryland has transitioned to the AHEAD Model as of January 1, 2026. MDPCP will continue under the AHEAD Model. There are no changes to the current MDPCP.
On November 1, 2024, Governor Wes Moore and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure signed Maryland’s state agreement to participate in the federal States Advancing All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model. Additional detail on the AHEAD Model can be found on the HSCRC website.
Maryland AHEAD Overview
Mission Statement
The Office of Advanced Primary Care seeks to shape the future of healthcare — we envision a healthcare system that is sustainable, efficient, equitable, and coordinated. We see a dynamic system that is built on the foundation of comprehensive primary care, purposefully working to provide high-value, equitable care, reduce disparities in
access to care, and improve health outcomes for all.
Vision
We strive to enhance coordination and facilitate comprehensive care to all Marylanders through the implementation of our innovative primary care program. We are here to support, facilitate, strengthen, enable, and unlock the full capabilities of primary care practices, as well as empower providers with tools and knowledge to achieve comprehensive, patient-centered primary care.
Overview of Programs
Through the AHEAD model, Maryland envisions building a sustainable advanced primary care system that provides access to high-quality whole person care for all Marylanders and supports strong linkages across the healthcare continuum. Leveraging the success of the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP) established under the Total Cost of Care Model, AHEAD aims to improve health outcomes for all people in Maryland, while simplifying the administrative burden for providers through all-payer alignment.
Maryland's AHEAD Primary Care Programs includes three main pathways: an infrastructure path, a Medicare path, and a Medicaid path. The Infrastructure path is for a small group of select practices that are building new or expanding advanced primary care in underserved areas of the state. The Medicare path includes two options: MDPCP-AHEAD and an entry level option for practices that are newer to value-based payment models: PC AHEAD. The first year of the Medicaid Advanced Primary Care Program is underway and participation in this program is now a prerequisite for either MDPCP-AHEAD or PC AHEAD. Practices that are not currently participating in these programs will have an opportunity to apply to participate in 2027.
Updates and Announcements
NEW: 2026 Quality Incentive Program (QIP) Methodology
The official Medicaid Advanced Primary Care Program QIP Methodology is now available for participants.
NEW: 2026 Medicaid Advanced Primary Care Program Manual Now Available
The first full year of the Medicaid Advanced Primary Care Program began January 1, 2026 and the official PY 2026 Medicaid Advanced Primary Care Program Manual is available for participants.
2026 Medicaid Advanced Primary Care Program Design Approved by CMS! (MDH's submission memo)
CMMI has approved MDH's submission of the State's design for the Medicaid Advanced Primary Care Program and care transformation priorities for multi-payer alignment with Primary Care AHEAD. The submission memo is now available to the public along with a memo summary.
Participant Resources
