The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center is accepting applications for the Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) Model, a new opportunity for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), including those with small, independent, and rural health care providers who may be new to ACOs. The model will run for 10 years beginning on January 1, 2027, and it focuses on establishing long-term benchmarks and improving care coordination for patients with high needs, including individuals who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid or homebound. It also includes features to support rural providers, such as add-on payments for infrastructure and lower patient minimum requirements.
Apply by May 17. For more information, subscribe to the LEAD Model listserv or contact the LEAD Model team at LEAD@cms.hhs.gov.