LEAD Model: The ACO Test Most Organizations Will Fail — Before They Apply

Podcast: Value Based Care Advisory (VBCA) Podcast · Carenodes

Opublikowano: 2026-04-30

CMS has posted the LEAD (Long-Term Enhanced ACO Design) model application materials. Preliminary scoring is due April 27, 2026. Full applications are due May 17, 2026. LEAD replaces ACO REACH in 2027 and runs as a 10-year demonstration with enhanced payments and care coordination flexibility. Most ACO applications fail before they're submitted — not because organizations are ineligible, but because they were never really built for risk. This episode breaks down the six scoring domains, in order of importance, that CMS will use to evaluate your application. WHAT WE COVER Financial Risk Readiness Define your risk corridor tolerance and downside ex...