CMS Announces New State Innovation Models Initiative

The CMS Innovation Center has announced a new initiative for States to design and test improvements to their health care systems that would bolster health care quality and decrease costs. The State Innovation Models initiative is a competitive funding opportunity for States to join with other community stakeholders - including employers - to design and test multi-payer payment and delivery models that deliver high-quality health care and improve health system performance.

States can apply for either Model Testing awards which are intended to assist in implementing their already developed models, or states can apply for the Model Design awards that will provide funding and technical assistance as they determine what type of system improvements would work best for them. Up to five states will be chosen for the initial round of Model Testing awards and up to 25 states will be chosen for Model Design awards.

Applications are due September 17, 2012. CMS anticipates offering a second opportunity for all states to apply for a Model Testing award next year.  For more information, contact Colleen Bruce.