States test new models to boost primary care spending

Medical Economics September 23, 2025
Austin Littrell, Keith A. Reynolds

Key Takeaways

• Rhode Island’s policy increased primary care spending and slowed healthcare spending growth, setting a precedent for other states.
• States like Oregon, Delaware, Colorado, and California are adopting policies to boost primary care funding, with varying targets and strategies.
• Alternative payment models are being paired with increased primary care spending to move away from fee-for-service models.
• Evidence is limited that increased primary care spending alone reduces total healthcare costs, emphasizing the need for complementary measures.

From Rhode Island to California, states are experimenting with ways to funnel more money into primary care, though it’s uncertain whether those investments can rein in overall health costs.

For decades, primary care physicians have warned that the field is underfunded, especially...

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