For decades, a stubborn gap has existed in healthcare: the divide between quality care for all and the reality for underserved communities. The ACO Reach Model, a recent initiative by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), aims to be a game-changer. But can it truly bridge this divide?
Traditionally, Medicare reimburses healthcare providers based on the volume of services rendered. This “fee-for-service” model creates perverse incentives, sometimes prioritizing quantity over quality. Underserved communities often suffer the most under this system. Factors like limited access to specialists, social determinants of health, and a lack of culturally competent care can contribute to poorer health outcomes.