The unified truth in Medicaid data management. March 19, 2026 By Ryan Bosch, MD, FACP, Chief Health & Informatics Officer As state Medicaid agencies adopt modular, specialized systems to meet Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, they gain flexibility but lose a single, unified view of their data. Each module stores and organizes data in its own way, which makes it efficient for generating reports from that specific system, but harder to combine and use data across systems. Meaningful data-to-action insights, especially in population health and value-based care, only emerge when data from multiple modules and external systems is brought together in a shared, structured format. When data is integrated in this way, it enables broader analysis, deeper insights, and more coordinated action. Acentra Health, an AWS Advanced Partner, serves numerous state Medicaid programs, federal agencies, and commercial clients. Acentra Health, LLC address the multi-system data analysis challenge through its Unified Data Platform (UDP) built upon a unique cloud-based data foundation designed to support scalable, cross-domain analytics while preserving operational flexibility. A Unified Operational Data Store Foundation Model Managing a Medicaid program's performance requires both operational awareness and a longitudinal perspective. Leaders must use data to answer questions like: * Is eligibility determination accurate and occurring within required timeframes? * Are prior authorizations correct, and are they being managed efficiently? * Are claims processing smoothly or encountering delays? * Are providers legitimate, and are they being paid accurately, and on time? Acentra Health's UDP, powered by its own proprietary data model and the AWS secure cloud infrastructure, is designed to help answer these questions, supporting timely reporting, service line benchmarking, and predictive analytics for Medicaid programs. Its Whole Person, Whole Population (WP2) Data Model Acentra Health's UDP goes well beyond legacy data warehouse aggregation. With the cross-linking and depth of its Whole Person, Whole Population (WP2) model, its UDP focuses on population and person perspectives to generate insights that can drive targeted interventions that improve health outcomes, such as care and disease management programs. This AI-ready solution, with structured data aggregated from multiple modules, also provides traditional retrospective analytics and trend reports. How UDP Makes Modularity Work Acentra Health's UDP Solution solves the fundamental challenges of modular data: 1. DatA Integration Without Disruption The complex data model imprinted on the cloud-based unified platform translates data to information from numerous disparate Medicaid modules through carefully curated pipelines. Think of data as the raw currency. Once it is refined and standardized, it can be relied upon to inform programs and policy. 2. Governance That Works for Healthcare Healthcare requires data compliance, lineage tracking, and access control. Its UDP incorporates: * Role- and attribute-based controls * Logical separation of data and application * Data lineage visibility and provenance * Alignment with HIPAA, MARS-E, and other healthcare-specific security frameworks As an AWS Advanced Partner, Acentra Health Health leverages the AWS secure, scalable cloud infrastructure as the backbone of the UDP Solution while maintaining ownership of the architecture design, core modeling, and governance that powers the solution. 3. Self-Service for Busy Account Teams There is no need to wait for custom reports. The UDP enables states to pull self-service analytics for the majority of reports they need. This allows them to answer operational questions quickly, without needing to rely on IT or data teams for ad-hoc builds. It means data-to-action insights are readily available for busy teams to access as needed. 4. Built for Modern Medicaid Management The UDP Solution was purpose-built with the following healthcare capabilities: * Modern Data Architecture: Leverages the advanced AWS data capabilities including SageMaker technologies and optimized storage with Aurora databases. * AI-enabled Data Model: The WP2 data model imprinted on the UDP Solution enables all data to have the lineage and links to be both real-time queried by visualization calls and AI-ready for connecting to various service line GPTs. * Enhanced Data Performance: Improves data ingestion speed and fidelity, while optimizing storage structure and strengthening security. * Healthcare-Specific Features: Supports Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standards, HEDIS, Medicare Stars ratings requirements (STARS), Clinical Quality Measurements (CQMs,) Enterprise Master Patient Index (EMPI), patient-matching capabilities, and the handling of specialized data like geospatial information. * AI-Powered Analytics: Integrates modern business solutions using model context protocols directly with AWS data services to generate clinical, operational, and financial insights that drive program actions to help Medicaid programs improve outcomes. Future-Ready by Design Medicaid requirements continue to evolve, yet states still need to modernize. In partnership with AWS, its UDP is the modernization solution that is transforming the market. Its clients are ready for CMS interoperability mandates, value-based care initiatives, and new federal reporting requirements that demand a flexible, yet powerful, data solution. Acentra Health's Unified Data Platform does more than just meet client compliance and deliver analytic performance. Its UDP has become the new standard for data-to-action, leveraging powerful new technology tools in the AWS ecosystem. The Acentra Health UDP activates advanced Machine Learning and AI applications to make recommendations that get real results. Because when resources are scarce, having the right data solution makes all the difference. For more information about how Acentra Health's Unified Data Platform can transform your Medicaid data management, email [email protected]. Reference: AWS Public Sector Blog: Transforming Medicaid: Crafting a robust data strategy with AWS for operational efficiency by Vignesh Srinivasan, Liz LeBreton, and Pramod Halapeti, May 1, 2025

State HIT Connect 2026: aligning policy, technology, and transformation. March 6, 2026 Acentra Health returned from the 16th Annual State Healthcare IT Connect Summit energized by the urgency and scale of change facing Medicaid and Health and Human Services (HHS) leaders nationwide. Held February 24-26, 2026, in New Orleans, the well-attended conference brought together state and federal leaders, technologists, and industry partners at a pivotal time for health IT transformation. Across sessions and conversations, several themes consistently surfaced: Artificial Intelligence (AI), rural health transformation, community engagement requirements under H.R. 1, interoperability, and the operational impact of sweeping federal policy changes. At its core, this year's Summit reinforced a simple reality: policy change and technology modernization are no longer separate efforts; they must move forward together. A Pivotal Policy Moment The conference convened amid significant federal changes affecting Medicaid eligibility, cost-sharing, provider payments, and IT system requirements. Provisions within H.R. 1 are reshaping how states administer programs and how technology must support them. Eligibility systems must incorporate new work and community engagement requirements. Financial and claims platforms must align with updated payment rules. Oversight and reporting expectations continue to expand. At the same time, federal initiatives such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Health Technology Ecosystem and CMS Aligned Networks emphasize interoperability, digital identity, and responsible data use, signaling a national vision for more connected, person-centered systems. States now face a critical challenge: modernizing in ways that are compliant, scalable, and sustainable amid fiscal pressure and evolving priorities. What Acentra Health, LLC Heard: Key Themes Artificial Intelligence in Action AI has moved from theory to implementation. Sessions highlighted practical applications including intelligent document processing, predictive risk modeling, program integrity tools, and virtual assistants to support member engagement. Leaders emphasized responsible AI governance, transparency, and privacy protections. Innovation is advancing - but thoughtfully. Rural Health Transformation Rural health remains a priority as states address workforce shortages, access gaps, and sustainability challenges. Conversations focused on telehealth expansion, value-based payment alignment, and integrating social determinants of health (SDoH) data to improve outcomes in rural communities. Community Engagement Requirements The work/community engagement requirements within H.R. 1 were a central operational concern. States must design communication strategies, verify employment and volunteer activities, and modify eligibility systems on aggressive timelines. Success will require tight alignment between policy, operations, and technology. Interoperability and Enterprise Modernization Interoperability discussions centered on FHIR-based APIs, consumer data access, and real-time data exchange. While many states still operate within fragmented environments, the push toward modular procurement, enterprise data strategies, and integrated service delivery continues. States are seeking flexible, interoperable solutions that avoid creating new silos while supporting measurable outcomes. From Data to Outcomes Cross-cutting themes included actionable analytics, health equity, program integrity, security and privacy, and organizational readiness. Leaders stressed the importance of moving beyond static reporting toward real-time insights that support whole-person, cross-agency service delivery. The expanding use of automation, enterprise data enablement, and value-based transformation reflects a broader shift from incremental system upgrades to comprehensive modernization. Looking Ahead Many state leaders acknowledged the complexity of the next 12-36 months. Fiscal constraints and expanding requirements create real pressure - but the tone at State HIT Connect 2026 was one of determination. Modernization is no longer optional. It is essential to meet new mandates, improve outcomes, and steward public resources responsibly. For Acentra Health, the Summit reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with states to implement responsible AI, advance interoperability, and continue to deliver modern, modular, and configurable systems that enable states to quickly adapt to policy changes. With change comes the chance to do things differently, and states are doing just that. From focusing on improving the basics to creating innovative programs, states are finding ways to take their Medicaid programs to new levels despite the challenges.

Health IT appointments & hires. Komodo Health Appoints Amit Sangani to Chief Technology Officer Komodo Health, an AI-powered healthcare intelligence company, announced the appointment of Amit Sangani as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Sangani will lead Komodo's technology, engineering, and AI platform strategy as the company continues to scale Marmot(TM), its AI platform designed to help Life Sciences and healthcare organizations innovate faster and improve patient outcomes. Elevate Healthcare Marketing Appoints Industry Veteran Karen Beckert as Executive Vice President, Client Engagement and Customer Activation Elevate Healthcare Marketing announced that Karen Beckert, a seasoned healthcare marketing leader with more than two decades of agency and client engagement experience with Biolumina, Digitas Health, and Ogilvy Health, has joined the firm as Executive Vice President, Client Engagement and Customer Activation. In this pivotal role, Beckert will help drive client engagement excellence and advance the agency's patient activation and engagement practice to support the evolving needs of healthcare challenger brands. RLDatix Appoints Richard Jarvis as Chief Technology Officer RLDatix (RLD), a global leader in safety, workforce and data solutions for health and care systems, announced the appointment of Richard Jarvis as Chief Technology Officer. Jarvis joins RLD with deep experience building and scaling mission-critical, enterprise-level technology platforms across healthcare, cybersecurity and public sector environments. He will oversee platform architecture, engineering, cloud operations, cybersecurity and data strategy in support of the company's long-term growth and innovation roadmap. Acentra Health Appoints Deborah Ricci as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Acentra Health, a technology and health solutions company dedicated to accelerating better health outcomes for government and commercial clients and the populations they serve, announced the appointment of Deborah Ricci as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Arcadia Announces the Appointment of Sandy Leaonard as General Manager of Life Sciences Sandy Leonard has joined Arcadia as the General Manager of Life Sciences. Sandy has spent over 20 years building real-world evidence and data-driven research across healthcare, including roles at AstraZeneca, HealthVerity, and COTA. Cityblock Health Welcomes Chief Technology Officer, New Board Members Cityblock Health, a value-based healthcare provider for Medicaid and dually eligible beneficiaries, announced the appointment of Alberto Lopez Toledo as Chief Technology Officer, and Karen DeSalvo, Mario Schlosser, and Cynthia Burks to its Board of Directors. The additions come at a pivotal time for Cityblock as the company continues its growth trajectory, scaling its care model nationally and expanding AI capabilities focused on improving care for vulnerable populations with complex medical, behavioral health, and social care needs. TYBR Health Appoints Jeff Tyber to Board of Directors TYBR Health, a regenerative medicine and medical device company focused on improving post-surgical soft-tissue healing, announced the appointment of Mr. Jeff Tyber to its Board of Directors. HL7 International Appoints Professor Rachel Dunscombe as CEO to Lead Next Phase of Global Interoperability Health Level Seven International (HL7(R), the global authority on healthcare data interoperability standards, announced the appointment of Professor Rachel Dunscombe as its new Chief Executive Officer. Professor Dunscombe succeeds Charles Jaffe, MD, PhD, who concludes his tenure this month following nearly two decades of leadership. Dr. Paul Billings Joins Lindus Health's Scientific Advisory Board Lindus Health, the "anti-CRO" running radically faster, more reliable clinical trials for life sciences, has announced the appointment of distinguished diagnostic and genomic medicine pioneer Dr. Paul Billings to its Scientific Advisory Board. Terry Shaw Appointed Chair of the Clearsense Board Clearsense(R), a cloud-based data enablement platform company, announced the appointment of Terry Shaw as Chair of its Board of Directors. In this expanded role, Shaw will work closely with the Clearsense leadership team and Board to guide strategy and governance as the company advances application decommissioning as a strategic approach to cost optimization. InterSystems Appoints Don Woodlock as President InterSystems, a creative data technology company, announced that, effective immediately, Don Woodlock has been appointed President, responsible for leading the company's daily operations. After leading the company for over 47 years, Founder, Owner, and CEO Phillip "Terry" Ragon will step back from day-to-day management responsibilities to focus on guiding the company's business and technology strategy. Ragon will continue to serve as CEO and work closely with the leadership team to ensure a seamless transition that maintains the company's commitment to excellence and customer success. TeleTracking Appoints Derek Ritchea as Chief Strategy Officer TeleTracking Technologies, a provider of healthcare operations solutions, announced that Derek Ritchea has joined the company as Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, Ritchea will lead a range of key initiatives including monitoring market dynamics to inform strategy, and identifying, evaluating, and executing new high-impact partnerships while strengthening TeleTracking's existing partnerships across the healthcare landscape. Hires, promotions, & accolades. Electronic Health Record Association Announces its 2026 Leadership Team and Priorities The HIMSS Electronic Health Record (EHR) Association announced the results of its annual leadership elections for terms that began Jan. 1, 2026. Leigh Burchell, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs at Altera Digital Health, will continue as Chair, and Stephanie Jamison, Senior Director of Regulatory and Government Affairs at Greenway Health, continues as Vice Chair. Tendo names Beth Godsey as General Manager to lead Healthcare Analytics Business Tendo, a healthcare software company helping hospitals and health systems turn quality data into action and increase revenue, announced that Beth Godsey will join the company as General Manager of Tendo Insights. In this role, Godsey will lead product and go-to-market strategy for Tendo's Insights business, helping healthcare systems leverage Tendo's quality analytics and AI products to turn data insights into clear and actionable quality improvement plans. Mick Farrell, Chairman and CEO of Resmed, Named Chair of AdvaMed Board of Directors AdvaMed, the Medtech Association, announced Michael "Mick" Farrell, chairman and CEO of Resmed Inc., a health technology company focused on sleep, breathing, and care delivered in the home, will be the next chair of the AdvaMed Board of Directors. Farrell will serve a two-year term beginning in January 2026.