Health experts are enthusiastic about the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ new initiative, the MAHA ELEVATE program. This program aims to reform healthcare by prioritizing prevention and a holistic approach to health management. With a budget of approximately $100 million, MAHA ELEVATE seeks to fund projects that enhance health and support Medicare beneficiaries.
MAHA ELEVATE Program Overview
The MAHA ELEVATE initiative, which stands for Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-based Approaches Through Evidence, is a groundbreaking model. For three years, up to 30 cooperative agreements will be awarded to support projects focusing on whole-person care approaches, including functional and lifestyle medicine.
Key Focus Areas
- Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Stress Management
- Avoiding Harmful Substances
- Social Connection
These are essential areas that are often neglected in traditional Medicare coverage. The goal is to address root causes of health issues rather than only managing emergencies.
Goals of the Program
The MAHA ELEVATE program aims to achieve three primary goals:
- Build Evidence: Generate cost and quality data related to lifestyle-focused care in Original Medicare.
- Empower Patients: Assist individuals in taking charge of their health through various wellness interventions.
- Promote Wellness: Prevent illnesses and manage diseases through effective behavior changes.
Funding Opportunity Timeline
The Notice of Funding Opportunity will be released in early 2026, outlining how organizations can apply for the program. Awardees will be announced in two phases, with the first cohort starting in 2026 and the second in 2027.
Industry Reactions
Healthcare experts have shared mixed reactions to the new model. Ann Greiner, president of the Primary Care Collaborative, emphasizes the need to address alternative approaches to health. She asserts the ELEVATE program could fill existing gaps in healthcare.
However, there are challenges to implementing this program effectively. Sean Mehra, CEO of HealthTap, argues that sustained change requires a deeper commitment than the traditional annual check-up allows. He emphasizes that a successful ELEVATE rollout will depend on incorporating high-frequency, low-friction virtual primary care.
Implementation Considerations
For the initiative to succeed, collaboration and integration in primary care are essential. Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge, co-founder of HealthTap, stresses that lifestyle interventions should not be treated as separate from traditional care but integrated into a comprehensive patient management strategy.
Ultimately, experts believe that the failure to prioritize lifestyle medicine as a foundational aspect of care could hinder the initiative’s success. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, MAHA ELEVATE may provide a crucial step forward in transforming the U.S. healthcare system from a “sick care” model to a more preventive, patient-centered approach.
Conclusion
With the considerable investment in the MAHA ELEVATE program, the emphasis is on comprehensive health management. As experts advocate for a more integrated method of healthcare, the ELEVATE initiative stands to reshape how chronic conditions are approached and managed across the nation.
