VillageMD Becomes Largest Sponsor for CMS New Direct Contracting Program What You Should Know: – U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) launched its new Direct Contract program this month through its Primary Care initiative and VillageMD is the largest participating sponsor. VillageMD estimates it will serve more than 56,000 patients through its growing footprint of Village Medical primary care clinics, in eight states, including Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire and Texas. – This new Direct Contracting program aims to reduce expenditures, preserving or enhancing quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries with a focus on those with complex, chronic conditions. The program will increase beneficiary access to innovative, affordable care while maintaining all the original Medicare benefits.