BALTIMORE — Gov. Wes Moore signed an agreement Friday pledging Maryland’s participation in a federal model to promote equitable and affordable health care for all Maryland residents.

With Moore’s signature, the state will participate in the federal States Advancing All-Payer Equity Approaches and Development Model, also known as the AHEAD Model. Maryland and Vermont were part of the first cohort for the model, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website said, and according to a news release from Moore’s office, Maryland was the first state to sign the agreement.

“Maryland is leading the nation through its participation in the AHEAD Model, paving the way for a brighter, healthier future,” Moore said in the release. “Affordable, accessible, and equitable health care is the foundation on which we build everything else – from safer neighborhoods to more vibrant communities.”

The model aims to improve population health and lower costs for Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers, the release said. It focuses on providing quality care through increased coordination and prioritizing health equity and “health-related social needs” to support underserved communities.

“Through collaboration with state and federal partners, the launch of the AHEAD model provides an opportunity to build on this legacy and continue to deliver for Marylanders,” U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin said in the release. “We must continue our commitment to health equity and use this new system to work towards the elimination of long-standing health disparities.”

Cardin also said that with AHEAD bringing an update to the state’s all-payer model, Maryland lawmakers must ensure that the state’s unique system is maintained as it makes advancements in health care accessibility and equity.

The AHEAD Model builds on the state’s current Total Cost of Care Model, which establishes a per capita limit on Medicare’s total cost of care in the state and includes the all-payer hospital payment system, according to the release.

“Under AHEAD, Maryland has more tools and resources than ever to create a health care delivery system that Marylanders deserve,” Maryland Department of Health Secretary Laura Herrera Scott said in the release. “With a focus on improving access to primary care and addressing population health needs of Marylanders, under AHEAD we will expand upon the work initiated by the Total Cost of Care Model.”

The AHEAD Model is set to be implemented in January 2026, the release said. The Maryland Department of Health will work with stakeholders to develop plans for implementation , including cost growth targets, population health, investments in primary care, regional relationships and improving quality and equity.

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