Navigating Uncharted Waters: The Future of Medicaid Innovation
Health Tech 4 Medicaid
We're on a mission to radically change the pace of innovation in Medicaid, improving quality, equity and access to care.
As we stand at the crossroads of healthcare and equity, the path ahead feels like uncharted waters. In this moment of uncertainty—marked by shifting policies, leadership transitions, and a growing sense of urgency—HealthTech for Medicaid (HT4M) remains steadfast in our mission: to innovate, disrupt, and ensure Medicaid works for everyone, especially the most overlooked communities.
The poet E.E. Cummings once said, “All lose, whole find.” These four words hold a profound truth as we navigate the future of Medicaid innovation. When systems fracture, when inequities persist, we all lose—our communities, our country, our collective humanity. But when we come together, when we center the whole—health equity, inclusive design, and shared purpose—we find a stronger, more resilient path forward.
Over the past week, I have been in deeply uncharted waters—literally. I took a 12-day sabbatical to Antarctica. It was a moment of monumental pause: I celebrated HT4M’s 6th birthday, reflected on the seismic changes ahead as we prepare for the shifting political tides of 2025, and strategized about how to keep this “little engine that could” nonprofit afloat.
Antarctica is a metaphor for this moment—for HT4M and the Medicaid ecosystem we serve. It is the most alien place on Earth, the only place in our ecosystem where humans cannot survive unaided. It is a place of exploration, science, and natural history but also of myths and mysteries—much like Medicaid itself. When I founded HT4M, the work felt impossibly vast, misunderstood, and often underfunded. Today, we are still fighting against the odds: advocating for the "forgotten middle," advancing deep policy and advocacy in States, lifting the voices of Medicaid recipients through equitable and inclusive design, and brokering trust among payors, providers, policymakers, innovators, advocates, and caregivers. Antarctica also reveals something else—how the impossible can be achieved with exploration, collaboration, and support. And support is precisely what we need.
Medicaid is at a monumental crossroads. Enrollment is declining as pandemic-era policies sunset. Disparities in health outcomes persist and widen. And now, as we brace for a new political administration, the future of Medicaid faces significant threats. Yet, within these uncharted waters lies opportunity—opportunity to build smarter systems, design new pathways for care, and embrace innovation that serves the people who rely on Medicaid most.
At HT4M, we are doubling down. We are deepening our advocacy and policy work at the state level to ensure Medicaid innovations are locally designed and responsive to community needs. We are lifting up the lived experiences of Medicaid recipients to design solutions that are equitable, inclusive, and transformative. We are brokering trust across stakeholders—between payors, providers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, advocates, and caregivers—so that the systems we build are unified and effective.
But exploration demands support. Just as no human can survive unaided in Antarctica, this work cannot continue without those who believe in a future where Medicaid is resilient, innovative, and equitable. If we’ve learned anything from Antarctica, it’s that survival—and progress—requires collective action. It requires commitment from people like you.
Whether you share your talents, partner with us, or contribute resources to fund this work, your support allows HT4M to forge ahead, to face the challenges head-on, and to create pathways that uplift those who need care the most. Yes, the road ahead is daunting. But with purpose, trust, and exploration, we can navigate these uncharted waters together. Together, we innovate. Together, we rise. Whole find.
In the fight to save lives,
JOIN HT4M's 'SAFETY NET PLEDGE' - Email us at info@ht4m.org
REGISTER TO ATTEND "THE FUTURE OF MEDICAID INNOVATION"
The Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum 2025 One Month Away - Register Now!
The countdown is on! We’re just one month away from our signature event, the Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum, happening on January 14th, 2025, from 9 AM - 12 PM PST at the San Francisco Playhouse. Whether you’re joining us in-person or tuning in virtually via Zoom, this is your chance to be part of the boldest conversations shaping the future of Medicaid. Now in its eighth year, the Forum continues to set the stage for innovation and equity in Medicaid. This year, we’re diving deep into Medicaid Futurism, with discussions that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
This year’s forum will tackle pivotal topics, including:
AI, Machine Learning, and Digital Trust: Building a foundation of trust for emerging technologies in Medicaid.
Medicaid Post-Election: Trends and strategies for the next administration.
Older Adults and the Forgotten Middle: Addressing gaps and innovating care for underserved populations.
Venture for Medicaid: Exploring opportunities to advance Medicaid through innovative capital investments.
*Photos from HT4M's 2024 Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum
Join thought leaders, innovators, and stakeholders as we explore cutting-edge solutions to systemic barriers, from transformative technologies to market-driven strategies designed to improve the lives of Medicaid recipients. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this transformative conversation. Join us to shape the future of Medicaid and drive meaningful impact. Details:
Date: January 14th, 2025
Time: 9am - 12pm PST
Location: San Francisco Playhouse, San Francisco, CA
See what the Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum is all about! Watch our 2023 Recap below
Fuel the Future - Become a Sponsor!
Join the Movement - Partner with Us!
At HealthTech 4 Medicaid (HT4M), we know that progress happens when we come together to reimagine Medicaid and champion health equity. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and organizations, the Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum 2025 is poised to be a groundbreaking event for driving innovation and transformative change.
Sponsors Making a Difference
We are honored to recognize the incredible organizations and individuals supporting our mission. We extend a heartfelt thank you to The California Health Care Foundation, The SCAN Foundation, Zócalo Health, Imagine Pediatrics, 7Wire Ventures, Wise Healthcare and Greg Buchert, MD, MPH. This collective support strengthens our efforts to reimagine Medicaid and push the boundaries of what’s possible for underserved communities.
Champions of Medicaid Innovation
Your generous support empowers HT4M to spark transformative conversations, forge impactful collaborations, and amplify innovative solutions for Medicaid communities across the nation. A heartfelt thank you to our individual donors whose commitment drives our mission forward.
Together, we’re shaping a future of equity and access in Medicaid. Interested in joining this incredible group of changemakers? Your contributions make a difference—help us take on even more in 2025!
SPONSOR THE FUTURE OF MEDICAID INNOVATION
Unveiling Our 2023 Annual Report: A Year of Disruption and Innovation
As we end 2024, we’re thrilled to share the highlights of an extraordinary year at HealthTech 4 Medicaid (HT4M). In 2023, we embraced the theme "Determined to Disrupt", pushing boundaries and driving forward innovations that directly impact the 90+ million Americans who rely on Medicaid.
Through over 60 impactful programs, webinars, and global collaborations, we championed Medicaid recipients and their communities, addressing critical issues like Medicaid redetermination, birthing health equity, venture capital’s role in healthcare transformation, and more. From "The Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum" to groundbreaking campaigns like "Designing for Dignity" and "Venture 4 Medicaid," HT4M delivered initiatives and events designed to foster equitable healthcare solutions.
2023 also marked our fifth anniversary—a milestone that underscores our ongoing commitment to revolutionizing Medicaid innovation. With a steadfast focus on equity, inclusivity, and community-driven design, we amplified the voices of those most impacted and forged a global presence through initiatives like the Zero Health Gaps Pledge and participation in international forums.
The disruptions we initiated in 2023 have laid the groundwork for an even bolder future. Dive into our annual report to explore the remarkable progress we’ve made together, and stay tuned for our 2024 report, coming soon. Let’s continue to disrupt barriers and drive meaningful change!
HT4M ON THE ROAD TO 60
As HT4M now celebrates six incredible years of advancing innovation and equity in Medicaid, we are inspired by the journey ahead toward Medicaid’s 60th anniversary in July 2025. These milestones remind us of the transformative work being done to ensure Medicaid remains a lifeline for millions while driving health equity and groundbreaking solutions.
Next Stop: The Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum Join us on January 14, 2025, in San Francisco and online for the Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum! This flagship event will bring together industry pioneers, Medicaid advocates, and changemakers to chart the course for a more equitable and innovative Medicaid landscape. Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative conversation— register to attend in person or online, and scroll down for more details. On the Road to 60: Upcoming Forums & Events Mark your calendars! Following the Future of Medicaid Innovation Forum, we’re looking ahead to several key industry events:
Downeast Digital Health Equity Innovation Forum (Jan 30–Feb 2, Charlotte, NC), focusing on underserved healthcare markets and digital innovation
NACHC Policy & Issues Forum (Feb 5–8, Washington, DC), where health center leaders will convene to advance sustainable care
ViVE 2025 (Feb 16–19, Nashville, TN), the must-attend event for digital health transformation and networking
Lake Nona Impact Forum (Feb 26–28, Orlando, FL), where global leaders explore solutions for health and well-being.
Each of these gatherings offers an opportunity to drive equity, innovation, and collaboration in healthcare—we hope to see you there!
Our Safety Net Pledge: A Focus for 2025 As part of HT4M’s commitment to building a stronger, more equitable safety net, we’re driving bold initiatives into 2025:
Developing an Innovation Footprint in Non-Expansion States – Our Southern Strategy will advance Medicaid innovation where it’s needed most.
Establishing a Medicaid-Centered Participation Research & Design Lab – Building solutions that center Medicaid populations in design and decision-making.
Catalyzing Economic Engines of Innovation in 6 Target Cities – Empowering local ecosystems to foster groundbreaking healthcare solutions.
Get Involved: Let’s shape the future of Medicaid together. Whether you’re an innovator, advocate, or partner—there’s a role for you in driving this movement forward.
Connect with HT4M on the Road to 60
Join Us in Advancing Health Equity in Alameda County: Our Justice Squared Initiative Needs Your Support!
We’re thrilled to announce that HealthTech 4 Medicaid (HT4M) is partnering with Asian Health Services and Baywell Health on an exciting new effort: the Justice Squared Initiative, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to dismantle structural racism in healthcare and co-create systems that are trustworthy, healing, and just. We need your help to make this transformative work a reality! As part of our grant application, we’re seeking 1-2 community letters of support and 1-3 letters from regional or national organizations familiar with HT4M’s work and impact specifically for African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, & Pacific Islanders (AA & NHPI). What is Justice Squared? Justice Squared equips healthcare and community leaders with the tools, resources, and funding—up to $400,000 over two years—to tackle systemic racism in healthcare. With guidance from racial justice and system change experts, participants will focus on:
Removing racism from clinical, operational, and administrative practices.
Reimagining partnerships between healthcare organizations and communities.
Creating lasting accountability structures to ensure progress is measured and sustained.
Why Your Support Matters By providing a letter of support, you’ll help us demonstrate the strength of our partnerships and the collective commitment to health equity not only in Alameda County but nationwide. Together, we can take bold steps to create a healthcare system that truly provides equitable and inclusive care for everyone. Interested in supporting this transformative work? Let us know by January 10th, 2025 and we’d be happy to share more details or provide a letter template to make it easy! Let’s work together to turn this vision into reality.
Submit a Letter of Support - Email us at info@ht4m.org
HT4M at the Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition
We’re excited to share that HT4M's Executive Director, Adimika Meadows Arthur, recently participated in the Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition, where she had the opportunity to present HT4M's vision to radically change the pace of innovation in Medicaid. While voting has now closed, you can still show your support for HT4M by making a donation to help us continue our mission of transforming Medicaid through innovation and equity. In case you missed it, we’re proud to share the video of Adimika’s pitch above where she discusses HT4M’s work and vision for the future of Medicaid. We encourage you to watch and share your thoughts! Additionally, we’ve made our pitch deck available here, and we’re always open to feedback as we refine and strengthen our approach. Your input helps us grow and continue driving the impactful change that our communities deserve.
Expand your HT4M experience! Stay engaged with our dynamic community and never miss out on HT4M events and opportunities. Join us as we continue to shape the future of Medicaid, together!