CMS Introduces MAHA ELEVATE Model to Address Chronic Disease through Whole-Person Care

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-Based Approaches Through Evidence Model, a voluntary initiative designed to test lifestyle and functional medicine interventions that are not currently covered by Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS). The model complements traditional medical care by encouraging psychological, nutritional, physical, and self-care interventions to support whole-person care.  

Participation is limited to organizations that provide whole-person functional or lifestyle medicine services directly to patients or that partner with other organizations to deliver these services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate experience in delivering evidence-based health and wellness interventions, measuring their impact, and accurately collecting and reporting data in a timely manner while ensuring appropriate beneficiary safeguards.  

Beginning in September 2026, MAHA ELEVATE will fund up to thirty cooperative agreements over a three-year performance period, with a total budget of $100 million. Funds will be distributed in two rounds for two separate cohorts in 2026 and 2027. All proposals must include a nutrition or physical activity component and three will be reserved for services addressing dementia.  

Participants will focus on one or more chronic conditions and identify the evidence-based interventions they will offer to Medicare FFS patients. Areas of focus include nutrition, physical activity, social connections, stress management, harmful substance avoidance, and sleep. 

Receiving services through MAHA ELEVATE does not affect Medicare FFS benefits, coverage, or rights. CMS will monitor for patient safety and may disenroll participants who fail to meet quality or safety standards.  

CMS will release a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in early 2026 for the first cohort. Organizations may submit multiple proposals and receive multiple awards, provided each proposed intervention is substantially distinct.  

MAHA ELEVATE offers assisted living (AL) providers an opportunity to participate directly or through partnerships with organizations delivering whole-person, lifestyle-focused care. Providers can leverage AL infrastructure to launch structured programs that support chronic disease prevention and functional wellness.  

Model FAQs are available. Please reach out to AHCA’s Population Health Policy Analyst Rohini Achal or Nisha Hammel​, Vice President, Reimbursement Policy & Population Health with any questions.