CMS Health Tech Ecosystem 101: Aligning Infrastructure, Policy & Partnerships for 2026 Readiness

Overview
This foundational session walks through CMS’s Health Tech Ecosystem framework, what it means to become a CMS-Aligned Network, and how states can align policy, infrastructure, and funding to support implementation in 2026. Panelists will share early readiness strategies and how they’re coordinating MES, public health, and interoperability modernization with CMS guidance.

Topics Include

• Overview of CMS Health Tech Ecosystem categories & voluntary criteria
• Readiness assessments: infrastructure, policy, APDs, and capacity
• The role of HIEs, HDUs, and state networks in becoming CMS-Aligned
• Aligning MES/public health modernization with FHIR, TEFCA, and USCDI v3
• Working with CMS through discovery pilots & technical assistance
• Early coordination across Medicaid, public health, and vendor partners

Virtual Presenters

• Ryan Howells, Principal, Leavitt Partners
• Navina Forsythe, Chief Data & Privacy Officer, Utah Health Information Network (UHIN)
• Malathi Subbiah, Information Technology Manager, Department of Government Operations, Utah Department of Health & Human Services
• Chris Smith, Enterprise Architect & CMS Compliance, Mississippi Division of Medicaid

Questions & Contacts
Sponsorship & Programming: Rob Waters, Program Director, State HIT Connect —
Registration: Darryl Langley —

The State HIT Connect Team — @StateHITConnect