Advancing Health Equity Solutions for ACO REACH

This guide outlines the ACO REACH Model, introduced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation Center (CMMI) to promote health equity among beneficiaries in accountable care organizations (ACOs). The document details the objectives of ACO REACH, which include advancing health equity, supporting provider leadership, and enhancing transparency and monitoring for beneficiaries. It explains the financial risk-sharing options available under ACO REACH, which mirror those in the previous Global and Professional Direct Contracting Model. The guide also emphasizes the importance of health information technology (health IT) in achieving the model's goals, particularly in collecting and exchanging demographic data and social determinants of health (SDOH). It describes a four-step approach to utilizing health IT for health equity, which includes identifying, exchanging, analyzing, and intervening based on data. The document highlights the necessity for ACOs to implement robust health IT solutions to effectively address health disparities and improve patient outcomes.