California Advanced Primary Care Initiative
The California Advanced Primary Care Initiative, a joint effort by CQC and the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA), is a continuation of that effort to strengthen the primary care delivery system throughout the state by building and scaling a primary care model that emphasizes comprehensive, team-based and person-focused care, the integration of behavioral and physical health services and high-quality outcomes.
Multi-Payer Alignment
CQC and the IHA convened a coalition of large commercial health care payers to work together to enable primary care practices to transform to a high-performing, value-based care model that reduces costs and improves quality and equity. The payers currently participating are Aetna, Aledade, Blue Shield of California and Health Net.
These payers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to this coordinated effort through 2025. The MOU has four areas of focus:
1. Transparency: Report primary care investment, adoption of value-based payment models that support the delivery of advanced primary care and performance on the Advanced Primary Care measure set jointly developed by CQC and IHA.
2. Payment: Adopt an agreed upon value-based payment model for primary care providers that offers flexibility, supports team-based care delivery and incentivizes the right care at the right time.
3. Investment: Collaboratively set increased primary care investment quantitative goals without increasing the total cost of care.
4. Practice Transformation: Provide technical assistance to primary care practices working to implement clinical and business models for success in value-based payment models, integration of behavioral health and reduction of disparities.
Additional payer organizations are encouraged to sign onto the MOU and join this effort. Contact Lindsay Petersen to learn more.
Current Programs
Payment Model Demonstration Project
Read More about Payment Model Demonstration ProjectCalifornia Advanced Primary Care Initiative | The Payment Model Demonstration Project will test a common value-based payment model with approximately 30 independent practices in California to strengthen primary care delivery.
Past Programs
Advanced Primary Care Measurement Pilot
Read More about Advanced Primary Care Measurement PilotCalifornia Advanced Primary Care Initiative | Dates Active: 2022-2023 | The measurement pilot tested the effectiveness of the Advanced Primary Care Measure Set and practice performance in California.
Featured
‘Pay attention to what we’re doing here’: 3 payers come together on new payment model in California
This article highlights a groundbreaking value-based payment model in California, co-led by CQC and IHA, launched in early 2025 with 11 provider organizations serving around 17,000 patients, aiming to address challenges in primary care reimbursement, health outcomes and disparities.
Blue Shield of California’s Role in a Groundbreaking Payer-Provider Initiative
Blue Shield’s Dr. Nina Birnbaum shares how the health plan is working with CQC, IHA and fellow payers to co-implement a shared value-based payment model. The initiative prioritizes small practices, unified data and aligned incentives to improve care quality and equity across California.
Dr. Todd May, Vice President and Medical Director at Health Net
Health Net’s Dr. Todd May joins the podcast to discuss California’s new multi-payer value-based payment model, co-led by CQC and IHA. He shares how major insurers are working together to strengthen primary care, advance equity and transform provider payment statewide.
A Provider Leader Looks at California’s Multi-Plan Breakthrough Around Value-Based Care
IHA’s Dolores Yanagihara discusses California’s first unified value-based payment model, co-led by CQC and IHA. The initiative supports primary care practices with aligned incentives, shared data and coaching to improve outcomes and equity statewide.
California insurers join forces on value-based primary care model
This Fierce Healthcare article spotlights CQC’s leadership in launching a unified, multi-plan value-based payment model to strengthen primary care in California. The initiative supports independent practices with increased payments, shared data systems, and hands-on coaching—reducing administrative burden and enabling population health approaches that can improve outcomes statewide.
A Health Plan Leader’s Perspective on California’s Multi-Plan Value Breakthrough
Health Net’s Dr. Todd May spotlights CQC’s leadership in a first-of-its-kind value-based payment model uniting three health plans. The initiative supports primary care practices with aligned incentives, unified data and technical assistance to drive better outcomes and equity statewide.
In California, a First-Ever Multi-Plan, Integrated Approach to Value-Based Contracting
This Healthcare Innovation article spotlights CQC’s leadership in launching California’s first unified, multi-plan value-based payment model. In partnership with IHA and three major health plans, the initiative reduces administrative burden, supports independent practices and advances high-quality, equitable primary care statewide.
California Health Plan Leaders Unite for the First Time to Launch New Payment Model Demonstration Project to Fortify Primary Care
In an unprecedented collaboration, three leading California health plans — Aetna, Blue Shield of California and Health Net — have united to co-implement a shared value-based payment model under the California Advanced Primary Care Initiative’s Payment Model Demonstration Project.
Exploring Capitated Payment for Primary Care in California
Hybrid payments that include capitation offer a promising alternative to traditional fee-for-service models, focusing on quality over quantity to enhance patient outcomes and system efficiency.
Empowering Care: The Role of Alternative Payment Model Design in Advancing Equity
Alternative Payment Models (APMs), incentivizing clinicians to provide high-quality, cost-efficient care beyond traditional fee-for-service payments, hold immense potential to revolutionize health care delivery, expanding access, improving outcomes and addressing health disparities.
Resources
Capitated Payment for Primary Care in Self-Funded Health Insurance Arrangements in California
Common Value-Based Payment Model Guide for Primary Care Physicians & Payers
California Advanced Primary Care Initiative | 2023 End-of-Year Report
Recommendations to Advance Equity Through Payment Models
Measuring Advanced Primary Care in California
California Advanced Primary Care Roadmap
Charter, Goals and Milestones
California Advanced Primary Care Initiative Overview
Webinar: The Future of Primary Care in California
MOU Among California Payers in Support of Multi-payer Partnership
The Journey to Advanced Primary Care
Advanced Primary Care Measurement Pilot
Advanced Primary Care Measure Set
Advanced Primary Care: Defining a Shared Standard
Announcements
California Health Plan Leaders Unite for the First Time to Launch New Payment Model Demonstration Project to Fortify Primary Care
In an unprecedented collaboration, three leading California health plans — Aetna, Blue Shield of California and Health Net — have united to co-implement a shared value-based payment model under the California Advanced Primary Care Initiative’s Payment Model Demonstration Project.
California Providers and Health Plans Sign Agreement to Expand Investment and Increase Access to Advanced Primary Care
As part of a new multi-stakeholder initiative, six health care organizations serving California have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to increase investment in and access to ‘advanced primary care.’
Quality Improvement Project to Modernize Primary Care Launched
Covered California, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and the Purchaser Business Group on Health (PBGH) are partnering to launch a pilot program to promote improvement in primary care which will benefit all Californians.
Past Events and Training
2024 California Advanced Primary Care Initiative Annual Convening
The California Quality Collaborative’s 2024 California Advanced Primary Care Initiative Annual Convening brings together initiative participants for a day of insightful discussions and innovative thinking around advanced primary care in California.
Measuring Advanced Primary Care in California: Pilot Results and the Path Forward
Join this CQC webinar to hear results and stakeholder reactions to the California Advanced Primary Care Measurement Pilot and explore the best next steps for the California health care system.
CQC Webinar – Advanced Primary Care: Piloting Practice Level Measurement
A webinar describing the next step in California’s journey to scale high quality, efficient and patient-centered primary care, also known as Advanced Primary Care (APC).