Advancing Value-Based Care in the U.S. Health Care System

This report details the evolution and current state of value-based care in the U.S. health care system, highlighting the transition from fee-for-service (FFS) payment models to value-based payment systems. It outlines the inefficiencies of the FFS model, which incentivizes high volumes of services without regard for patient outcomes, leading to increased costs and inconsistent care quality. The report emphasizes the importance of value-based care in promoting preventive services, care coordination, and improved health outcomes at lower costs. It discusses the role of UnitedHealth Group in facilitating this transformation and the bipartisan efforts that have paved the way for adopting value-based care models. Key concepts such as accountable care organizations (ACOs) and alternative payment models (APMs) are explored, illustrating how these frameworks aim to align provider incentives with patient health outcomes. The report also presents data on the increasing share of payments transitioning to value-based models and the expected growth in health care spending in the coming years.