Understanding the AHEAD Model and What Maryland’s New Hospital Rate Setting Model Means for the Future 

MACo’s 2026 Summer Conference Solutions Showcase features thought leaders and industry experts presenting resources and best practices to assist local governments. Check out this session hosted by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield! 

About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield: 

As one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit healthcare organizations, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield works to ensure that healthcare is easy to afford, easy to use and available to everyone. They solve problems with equal parts urgency and empathy. They simplify the complex. They step forward with new ideas. Because they are building the healthcare experience they want for their families and for their future.  Their Difference Makers are driven by a mission to advance affordable, accessible, equitable, high-quality healthcare for all. 

CareFirst Health Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision Plans | Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield 

SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE SESSION:

Title: Understanding the AHEAD Model and What Maryland’s New Hospital Rate Setting Model Means for the Future 

Description: Maryland is transitioning to a new hospital rate-setting model that could reshape how care is delivered and funded across the state. For nearly 50 years, Maryland’s unique approach helped control healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. Following federal policy changes, the Total Cost of Care (TCOC) model ended on December 31, 2025, and has been replaced by the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design (AHEAD) model. Join this session to learn how the AHEAD model is expected to impact care delivery and funding, across Maryland—and what these changes could mean for Maryland Counties! 

Date: 8/13/2026 

Time: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM 

Be sure to register for MACo’s Summer Conference to attend this session and many more! 

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” will be held at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD, on August 12-15, 2026. 

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: