All-Payer Health Equity Approaches and Development (AHEAD) Model
Maryland’s Trusted Partner in Value-Based Care
What is Primary Care AHEAD?
Primary Care AHEAD is a voluntary, patient-centered advanced primary care program that
aligns Medicare with state-driven primary care initiatives. Built on a flexible framework, it
supports care transformation efforts while complementing statewide Medicaid priorities. The
program aims to enhance care coordination, strengthen connections to community resources,
improve quality outcomes, and deliver whole-person care—all while reducing provider burden.
Primary Care Practices and Hospitals: Interested in Participating in the AHEAD Model?
Hospitals and primary care providers in selected states should understand the payment structures, requirements, and potential risks and rewards of the model.
Initial preparation might involve financial analysis, setting quality benchmarks, enhancing performance, and establishing care management systems and health equity strategies.
This preparation will help ensure a smooth transition and alignment with the program's goals for improved care delivery and financial sustainability.
Next Steps for Preparing
● Understanding the Model: Familiarize yourself with the payment structures, requirements, and potential benefits and risks of the AHEAD Model.
● Start Pre-Implementation Activities: States in Cohorts 1 and 2 began the pre-implementation period in July 2024, and Cohort 3 will begin in January 2025. Use this time to begin planning and adapting to the new model.
● Preparation Tasks: Focus on financial modeling, establishing quality benchmarks, and improving performance. Build out care management infrastructure and develop strategies for health equity to meet program expectations.
To successfully transition into the AHEAD Model, partner with a trusted value-based care expert (VBC) to navigate payment structures, optimize operational planning, enhance quality reporting, and ensure full compliance with AHEAD requirements. It will allow you to get guided through every step of the process to achieve success.
Important Update: Practices Transitioning from MDPCP to AHEAD
The AHEAD Model described here is not a new or separate program for practices currently participating in the Maryland Primary Care Program (MDPCP). Instead, it is the next phase of the MDPCP under Medicare, launching in January 2026 as part of Maryland’s participation in the AHEAD initiative.
If your practice is already enrolled in MDPCP, you will automatically transition into the Medicare AHEAD track—often referred to as “MDPCP AHEAD.” Netrin Health will continue to serve as your trusted CTO partner through this transition, providing the same high-level support to ensure continuity, compliance, and continued success in both value-based care and fee-for-service performance.
Program Goals
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Increase investment in primary care by strengthening Medicare payments for comprehensive, coordinated care
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Align payers around a common set of expectations and payments
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Support advanced primary care through team-based, whole-person care
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Broaden beneficiary reach by encouraging participation from:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- Rural Health Clinics (RHCs)
- Small and independent primary care practices
Program Pillars
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Care Transformation Activities
Tailored strategies to deliver whole-person, team-based care -
Enhanced Payment
Medicare-aligned payments rewarding value over volume -
Learning Collaboratives & Supports
Shared best practices and hands-on implementation guidance -
Data & Technical Assistance
Actionable insights and tools to improve care quality and outcomes
Why Choose Netrin Health as Your AHEAD Partner
The Netrin Health Advantage
Netrin brings the people, processes, tools — and the proven expertise you can trust. Our solutions are designed to reduce provider burden, improve care coordination, and help your practice achieve success under Medicare AHEAD.
- Care Coordination
- Seamless Transition Support
- Advanced Analytics & Technology
- Revenue Optimization Strategies
The Netrin Health Advantage
- Care Coordination
- Seamless Transition Support
- Advanced Analytics & Technology
- Revenue Optimization Strategies
A Top Performing CTO in MDPCP
Netrin Health is consistently recognized as a top-performing CTO in MDPCP, delivering measurable results in quality, utilization, and patient outcomes. Our expertise positions us — and our partners — for success under AHEAD’s next-generation care model.
- #1 and #2 in leading quality measures
- Consistently top-ranked CTO in MDPCP
- Proven success in achieving the goals of value-based care
- Deep local expertise powering measurable results in Maryland communities
A Top Performing CTO in MDPCP
- #1 and #2 in leading quality measures
- Consistently top-ranked CTO in MDPCP
- Proven success in achieving the goals of value-based care
- Deep local expertise powering measurable results in Maryland communities
Comprehensive Support for Value-Based Care
As an established Care Transformation Organization (CTO) in MDPCP, Netrin Health has
played a key role in supporting practices as they navigate value-based care. With a strong
history of guiding practices to success, we’ve provided customized tools and services that
optimize care management, improve operational efficiency, and enhance quality reporting.
Discover our suite of services, expertise, and support that positions us to deliver impactful
support under the AHEAD Model.
Hear Directly from Our Maryland Physicians
Discover how local providers partnered with Netrin Health to transform care, improve outcomes, and thrive in value-based programs tailored to Maryland’s unique healthcare landscape.
Ready to Move AHEAD with Confidence?
“At Netrin Health, I feel we are one big family to accomplish the same goal, delivering seamless and high-quality care to our patients across the care continuum.”
Dr. Seth Eaton MD
Laurel, MD