Implementing evidence-based prevention strategies, such as those included in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) 6|18 Initiative, can help states achieve value-based payment (VBP) goals. State officials can align prevention strategies with VBP goals through a variety of mechanisms, including: (1) tying prevention-related metrics to VBP arrangements; (2) incorporating population health priorities into managed care quality withholds or incentive pools; and (3) engaging providers in prevention activities under VBP delivery systems. Through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is working with states to implement prevention strategies under CDC’s 6|18 Initiative.

This brief draws from state-based 6|18 Initiative implementation efforts to help Medicaid and public health officials make the case for investing in prevention strategies and aligning these efforts to achieve state VBP goals.