On the Road to Better Value: State Roles in Promoting Accountable Care Organizations

States are keenly aware of the need to create more coherent and value-driven systems of care through improved payment and delivery systems. The accountable care organization (ACO) model has received increased attention as a mechanism to promote better value in health care spending. This report examines the development of the ACO model in seven states, highlighting five key areas in which states have played a role in supporting the development of the ACO model. It is intended to provide policymakers with information that can stimulate further innovation as states consider using the ACO model within their own health care systems.