In this week’s Health Care Matters, we explore how federal leaders are looking to accelerate AI adoption in health care and highlight innovative community partnerships expanding access to diabetes technology in Michigan. We also share new resources on scaling value-based cardiology and improving evidence standards for health value assessments, along with insights from the 2026 Health Care Value Week Conference. Plus, we round up recent research and policy analysis on Medicaid innovation, program integrity, primary care APMs, and CMMI’s ACCESS Model, and feature a new podcast episode examining what the LEAD model could mean for ACOs and the future of value-based care.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we explore key policy signals shaping value-based care and health system transformation—from renewed federal focus on affordability and drug pricing to emerging questions about the stability of ACO payment models. We also highlight opportunities for engagement across the field, including new workforce initiatives, CMS requests for program integrity input, insights from the ACCESS model, and practical resources on MSSP participation, real-world data, and AI in clinical care, along with a new Pop Health Podcast discussion on what the LEAD model could mean for ACOs and the future of value-based care.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we’re tracking key policy developments and industry signals, including congressional scrutiny of ACA subsidy practices and a reminder to look for the helpers through the growing impact of community health workers strengthening care in Ohio. We’re also sharing a new CMS Ambulatory Specialty Model (ASM) Participant Readiness Roadmap, highlighting upcoming opportunities to connect at major events like the 2026 Health Policy Conference and the Value-Based Payment Summit, and featuring fresh reading on Medicare Advantage transparency, ACO performance in primary and preventive care, and the spending impacts of BPCI Advanced. Plus, we’re sharing a few updates from our team, including a new Analyst/Consultant opening and Coral’s Health Policy Valentines.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we’re covering key policy and market developments shaping value-based care, including new federal funding that extends telehealth and APM incentives, continued growth in APM adoption across payers, and a timely reminder to “look for the helpers” amid ongoing system change. We also highlight how mobile mammography is expanding breast cancer screening access for rural veterans, share a new resource on navigating the latest CMS and CMMI models, and spotlight what we’re listening to, reading, and attending this week, from mandatory TEAM model performance strategies and palliative care expansion to innovation center updates, psychiatric collaborative care progress, and upcoming webinars focused on patient affordability and accountable care learning in action.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we track the latest federal developments shaping the health care landscape, from looming funding uncertainty tied to a potential shutdown to CMS proposals affecting Medicare Advantage and oversight of organ procurement organizations. We spotlight a “Look for the Helpers” story on Great Lakes Bay Health Centers’ expanded mobile services and share our own analysis on what new CMMI models signal for the future of value-based care. The issue also features timely research on ACO redesign, the promise and challenges of the ACCESS model, and social determinants of health policy, plus an upcoming primary care webinar, a new career opportunity in value-based payment research, and the latest episode of our Pop Health Podcast.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we cover major federal policy updates, including Congress’s latest health funding package and what it means for Advanced APM incentives and Medicare programs, alongside new insights from JPM26 on how health systems are approaching AI and operational performance. We highlight a “Look for the Helpers” story on expanding paid in-home care for family caregivers and share a new practical guide for launching a strong MSSP ACO. We also round up fresh research on national health spending, technology costs, and Medicaid primary care payment reform, plus upcoming conferences and podcast conversations exploring where accountable care and new CMS models are headed.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we break down key policy and industry developments, including a reported drop in ACA enrollment, new findings on Medicare payment practices, and a spotlight on community-based mutual aid in New Orleans. We also share timely research on advanced primary care, rurality, and growing gaps in maternity care access, along with a new State Initiative Tracker for the Rural Health Transformation Program. Plus, catch updates on newly launched workgroups, open application portals, upcoming webinars, and fresh podcast episodes unpacking the latest CMS models shaping the future of care.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we highlight key policy and market developments shaping 2026, including new federal and state actions, emerging care delivery models, and what the first round of RHTP awards and the new LEAD model mean for ACOs. We also share new resources, timely research on rural, maternal, and hybrid care, and a new podcast unpacking CMS’s expanding model landscape.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we break down key changes in the CY 2027 MA & Part D Proposed Rule, highlight federal action on the Hospital-at-Home waiver, share a story of community-building through health care book clubs, showcase new insights from our ACCESS model analysis and MSSP risk guide, and feature timely readings on tech-enabled care, ACO participation, CMS’ OPPS/ASC final rule, and shifting ACA Marketplace premium burdens.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we highlight new policy proposals and CMMI model design principles, feature community-based public health efforts in Philadelphia, share events we’re attending and watching, introduce a new caregiving resource, and spotlight recent research on value-based care, primary care transformation, Medicare quality trends, payer-provider dynamics, and CMS’ interoperability work.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we unpack how federal disruptions and affordability debates are shaping the post-shutdown landscape, alongside a spotlight on community impact through a life-saving doula network. We also highlight what we’re writing, reading, and watching, from state rural health transformation themes to pressures on MSSP starters, shifts in remote monitoring coverage, rural hospital funding challenges, and a new resource on strengthening rural primary care.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we break down key federal updates, including the CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule, new Medicaid directives, and standout stories like how an Iowa Medicaid pilot is transforming access to care. We also spotlight what we’re writing, attending, reading, and watching, from behavioral health model guidance to rural primary care insights and timely analysis on Medicare Advantage.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we’re following new momentum in federal and clinical innovation, from HHS recalling staff to advance the Rural Health Transformation Program to fresh insights on midwifery care and harm reduction. We’re also unpacking what Paragon’s reform agenda means for the Innovation Center and exploring how digital health, AI, and evolving CMS models are shaping the next chapter of value-based care.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we’re tracking how federal funding debates and regulatory shifts are shaping coverage, care delivery, and workforce innovation, from the ongoing shutdown’s impact on ACA subsidies to CMS’s evolving Medicare flexibilities and new OIG findings on “ghost networks.” We’re also highlighting promising rural and community health solutions, including ChristianaCare’s investment in local health workers and our latest insights on bridging Medicaid and public health.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, CMS directs contractors to hold Medicare claims as key payment provisions expire, while the shutdown halts hospital-at-home programs and pressures safety-net hospitals facing DSH cuts. We also look at stabilized Medicare Star Ratings prompting new strategies at Humana, highlight a community initiative improving health through food access, and share resources on rural Medicaid innovation. Don’t miss our latest Pop Health Podcast on how states can align stakeholders for lasting rural health transformation.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we cover how the government shutdown is disrupting health programs, shifting dynamics in Medicare Advantage ahead of 2026, and new policy action on rising skin substitute spending. Plus, learn about a grant expanding mental health care in Mid-Michigan, upcoming NAACOS events, and our latest Pop Health Podcast on rural health transformation.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we look at how the government shutdown is affecting health programs, while noting that Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans are expected to remain stable in 2026. We cover Evolent’s divestiture of its value-based primary care business and highlight the survival of a key geriatrics training program serving aging Americans. This issue also features an explainer on Medicaid provider taxes, a CMMI resource on preventive care, and a recap of Coral’s annual retreat in Baltimore. Plus, don’t miss our Pop Health Podcast episode on rural health transformation and how states can align stakeholders for lasting change.

In this week’s Health Care Matters, we cover the latest policy debates shaping health care. Highlights include negotiations over ACA tax credits in the government funding talks, a Ways and Means Committee bill to simplify ACO quality reporting, and state actions to cut Medicaid provider payments in advance of expected federal reductions. We also spotlight New Mexico’s pioneering move to offer universal childcare for all families.

In this week's Health Care Matters, we spotlight the launch of CMS’s Rural Health Transformation Program, Innovaccer’s acquisition of Story Health, and the rise of integrative care alongside workforce and payment hurdles. In What We Are Writing, we share insights on CMMI’s GLP-1 model and takeaways from the Heartland Conference. In What We Are Reading, explore new perspectives on primary care, ACO REACH performance results, and how patients choose doctors. Plus, NCQA names new leadership and the Pop Health Podcast tackles drug pricing and access.

In this week's Health Care Matters, we cover MAHA’s push on drug repurposing, No Surprises Act updates, and ongoing scrutiny of the WISeR Model, plus a look at Buffalo F.A.T.H.E.R.S.’ 72-hour outreach. We also explore the Medicare Advantage regulatory outlook, rural health transformation, site-neutral payment research, and more.