Episode 18: Health Equity Series - Treating the Nation's Most Vulnerable Populations with Cassie Choi, Co-Founder of Pair Team

Episode 18: Health Equity Series - Treating the Nation's Most Vulnerable Populations with Cassie Choi, Co-Founder of Pair Team

In the latest episode of Healthscape, hosts Joy Basinger and Hannah McGillivray engage in a compelling discussion with Cassie Choi, co-founder and Chief Health Equity & People Officer of Pair Team. Cassie Choi brings a wealth of experience from her background as a registered nurse and her innovative work in healthcare technology, offering unique insights into treating the nation's most vulnerable populations.

Cassie recounts her journey from clinical nurse to healthcare innovator, emphasizing the critical gaps in the healthcare system she witnessed, particularly affecting underserved communities. This realization led her to co-found Pair Team in 2019, alongside her co-founder Neil, to address these gaps using a tech-enabled approach. Pair Team focuses on delivering high-touch care to Medicaid's highest-risk individuals through community-based and virtual care teams.

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the role of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in advancing health equity. Cassie highlights how CBOs serve as vital care coordinators, integrating health and social services to meet the comprehensive needs of families. This holistic approach aims to provide resources for housing, education, and other essential services, enhancing the quality of life for Medicaid recipients. The episode also explores the future of Medicaid innovation and the transition towards value-based care.

Cassie discusses the challenges and opportunities in establishing contract structures that prioritize reducing the total cost of care and improving health outcomes. She emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and obsessed with solving problems rather than fixating on specific solutions. Furthermore, the conversation touches on the potential of healthcare AI to accelerate health equity initiatives and drive revenue growth.

Cassie shares her aspirations for Pair Team to expand into new markets and states, positioning itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of value-based care. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the dynamic landscape of healthcare and consider the pivotal role of innovation and collaboration in achieving equitable healthcare for all. Cassie's passion for health equity and her call to action for individuals to engage with the mission of Pair Team underscore the episode's inspirational and motivational tone.