1. Acentra Health launched SAMA for AI governance in Medicaid. 2. SAMA includes 32 states addressing operational challenges in AI adoption. 3. Alliance promotes safe AI frameworks to improve health outcomes. 4. Acentra is backed by Carlyle, emphasizing its financial strength. 5. Collaboration aims to build practical AI tools for Medicaid programs.
The establishment of SAMA reflects a commitment to improving Medicaid AI practices, aligning with Acentra's mission. Historically, initiatives focused on healthcare innovation and efficiency have positively impacted investor sentiment in related stocks.
The launch of SAMA is crucial for Acentra Health's future direction and operational model, showcasing its leadership in AI governance. Given the increasing emphasis on AI in healthcare, this position may enhance its competitive edge and market valuation.
The long-term effects are anticipated as the alliance develops comprehensive AI frameworks, potentially leading to increased market share for Acentra Health and enhancement of its service offerings. Previous initiatives in healthcare tech have taken years to realize full benefits, influencing market performance over time.
MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acentra Health, a technology and health solutions and services company dedicated to accelerating better health outcomes for its clients and the populations they serve, today announced the launch of the Safe AI in Medicaid Alliance (SAMA), a collaborative initiative uniting Medicaid leaders, policy experts, and technology innovators to develop safe and responsible Medicaid-focused frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and use.
Created with input and participation from the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA), the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Amazon Web Services (AWS), McKinsey & Co., Arcadia, and the Acentra Health Healthcare Advisory Board, SAMA will fill a long-standing gap in the national AI policy landscape by addressing the unique operational, compliance, and equity challenges facing state Medicaid programs.
"In Medicaid, the stakes are too high to rely on generic AI governance," said Daniel Hallenbeck, Vice President of Strategy and former New York Medicaid Chief Technology Officer. "SAMA offers a dedicated space for states and partners to define what safe, transparent, and scalable AI adoption and use looks like in the real world."
Launched at the State HIT conference earlier this year, SAMA formally convened in August at the Medicaid Enterprise Systems Conference (MESC), where leaders discussed:
"This alliance isn't about abstract ethics — it's about building practical tools to ensure AI improves outcomes without creating new risks for vulnerable populations," said Julie Boughn of JBoughn Advisory Services, LLC, and former Director of the Data and Systems Group within the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. "The Alliance is collaborating to create practical tools that states can use right away to improve outcomes in their programs. Alliance members have all agreed that we do not compete on AI safety."
Over the past month, SAMA has grown quickly to include 32 states and one U.S. territory. Other states and partners interested in joining SAMA can visit acentra.com/sama to join upcoming workgroup sessions and help shape the future of AI in Medicaid.
About Acentra Health
Acentra Health combines public sector knowledge, clinical expertise, and technological ingenuity to modernize the healthcare experience for state and federal partners and their priority populations. From designing and developing advanced claims, encounter, and provider solutions that drive efficiency and cost savings to delivering clinically focused solution models for care management and quality oversight, Acentra Health is accelerating better health outcomes. Acentra Health is backed by Carlyle (NASDAQ:CG), a global investment firm. Learn more at acentra.com.
Media Contact:
Marnie Keogh, Senior Vice President, Marketing
Acentra Health
703-214-3666
Marnie.Keogh@Acentra.com
Janice Moore, Vice President, Communications
Acentra Health
703-214-3552
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