The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is inviting healthcare organizations nationwide to apply for the Make America Healthy Again: Enhancing Lifestyle and Evaluating Value-Based Approaches Through Evidence (MAHA ELEVATE) model, a new initiative scheduled to launch in 2026.
MAHA ELEVATE will support the implementation of evidence-based lifestyle and chronic disease prevention programs aimed at improving outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries. The model will focus on interventions that address risk factors such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension and diabetes, and will test whether preventive, lifestyle-oriented strategies can improve outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs when implemented at scale.
CMS will release a Notice of Funding Opportunity in early 2026 for the first cohort, and the voluntary model will launch Sept. 1, 2026. Funding will be awarded to organizations that propose interventions supported by strong evidence and demonstrate the ability to measure outcomes, report data and sustain program delivery over time. Proposals will be competitively reviewed based on evidence strength, implementation readiness and potential impact on Medicare populations.
Members interested in applying can find additional details, application materials and timelines on the CMS Innovation Center website.
Members with questions may contact the MHA policy team.