Leadership

In the last 30 days, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) has advanced its Long-term Enhanced ACO Design (LEAD) Model, set to launch following the ACO REACH model's sunset at the end of 2026. This new model aims to align quality performance metrics directly with financial benchmarking, driving a critical structural shift in how accountable care organizations (ACOs) are funded and evaluated, which is poised to influence strategies among value-based care stakeholders. Furthermore, as the Medicare Ambulatory Specialty Model raises concerns over provider payments, it underscores ongoing tensions in the integration of specialty care into value-based frameworks, highlighting the necessity for strategic positioning among payers and providers alike in navigating these evolving landscapes. For more details on the LEAD model, see Advisory Board's coverage and [Innovaccer’s analysis](https