Colorado Community Health Centers Celebrate Six Consecutive Years of Success in Nation’s Largest Value-Based Care Program
October 16, 2025
By working together as a statewide network, Carina Health Network’s 19 member Community Health Centers (CHCs) improved care for 11,829 Medicare beneficiaries across Colorado, while also generating $17.6 million in Medicare savings in 2024. By meeting rigorous quality and cost benchmarks, Carina continues to lead in value-based care innovation, as confirmed by recent data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that administers Medicare.
Medicare data shows that Carina’s statewide network earned a quality score of 79.47% on performance measures ranging from preventive health checks and the use of computerized health records to preventing avoidable hospitalizations. The $17,658,269 of gross savings to Medicare resulted in a shared savings payment of $8,652,552 to Carina, which will directly and indirectly benefit participating member CHCs. These funds reflect the network’s ability to deliver high-quality, cost-effective care and demonstrate the power of collaboration in achieving better outcomes at lower costs. While financial distributions provide meaningful support to members, they represent only a modest portion of what’s needed to address the ongoing financial challenges faced by CHCs. Carina remains committed to expanding the network and providing additional support to help members continue delivering high-quality care to their communities.
In 2024, 476 Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) nationwide participated in the CMS Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP), with the strongest results since the inception of the program, collectively generating $6.5 billion in gross savings. Among these, Carina emerged as a leader, delivering results that reinforce its commitment to improving care quality and reducing costs.
Carina joined MSSP in 2017, and shared savings were first earned in the third performance year of 2019. The network has continued achieving savings since then, providing more than $87 million in total savings for CMS over the last six years.
Member CHCs who participated in the MSSP program ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive annual wellness visits, recommended screenings, and preventive care. The CHCs provide comprehensive, affordable care for underserved populations, often integrating dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and primary care services under one roof. They also focus on managing patients with chronic conditions and addressing complex social risk factors. To support these efforts, Carina provides all member CHCs with detailed performance data on quality measures. Furthermore, providers collaborate to share best practices, ensuring coordinated care across primary and specialty providers. This approach helps prevent health complications and reduces repeat hospitalizations, improving outcomes for their Medicare patients.
Carina members who participated in the MSSP program in 2024:
- Axis Health Systems
- Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
- Clinica Family Health & Wellness
- High Plains Community Health Center
- Inner City Health
- PrimeHealth+ (formerly MarillacHealth)
- Mountain Family Health Centers
- Northwest Colorado Health
- Peak Vista Community Health Centers
- Pueblo Community Health Center
- River Valley Family Health Center
- Salud Family Health
- Sheridan Health Services
- STRIDE Community Health Center
- Elevated Community Health (formerly Summit Community Care Clinic)
- Sunrise Community Health
- Tepeyac Community Health Center
- Uncompahgre Medical Center
- Valley-Wide Health Systems.
Carina enables Colorado CHCs to work together to improve quality, enhance the patient experience, and keep care affordable. MSSP creates incentives for ACOs like Carina to invest in transforming care by allowing them to share in savings generated while meeting defined quality and cost goals.
“These numbers represent more than financial savings; they represent healthier people and stronger communities. Each dollar saved reflects patients receiving better, more coordinated care, and clinicians having the data and tools they need to make a difference. Our $17.6 million in savings shows what’s possible when we align technology, teamwork, and purpose. The impact of this work is felt in every community we serve, and we’re committed to continuing to build on the excellent work already being done.”
– Autumn Orser, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Carina Health Network
Carina remains committed to driving forward value-based care initiatives, supporting its members, and ensuring healthier communities across Colorado. With a track record of success and new innovative solutions being added every day, Carina is poised to continue delivering innovative, cost-effective care solutions that meet the needs of Medicare beneficiaries statewide.
Additional information about MSSP and 2024 results: ACOs Improve Care Delivery in Medicare, Resulting in Billions of Dollars In Savings | Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations Performance Year 2024 Financial and Quality Results | Performance Year Financial and Quality Results Public Use File (PUF)
Learn more about ACOs: What is an ACO?—and the ABCs of ACOs.
