A new framework sets out principles for responsible AI development and highlights the opportunity to transform care delivery and improve health outcomes for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
BROOKLYN, NY, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Health of the urban blocka value-driven healthcare provider for Medicaid and dual-qualified populations, today announced the release of a new report, Medicaid + AI: a new standard for innovation, which focuses on the transformative potential of AI in Medicaid at a time when state programs face increasing financial and operational pressure and vulnerable communities face critical access issues.
Recent advances in large language models (LLM) and agent systems provide a generational opportunity to redefine how AI transforms healthcare and focus on a population historically left behind by technology. Most AI investments in healthcare have focused on administrative optimization and revenue capture, not care delivery or member engagement. Less than 20% health plans report using AI to develop care plans, summarize records or drive member engagement.
“We are in a moment of both urgency and possibility,” said Dr. Toyin Ajayi, CEO and co-founder of Cityblock Health. “AI adoption is accelerating in healthcare, but most of this investment is focused on administrative efficiency. If we succeed, Medicaid can be the testing ground for responsible, human-centered AI and demonstrate that the most advanced technologies can significantly improve outcomes for the most complex and demanding populations.
This report encourages change. It details six principles for responsibly deploying AI to serve vulnerable populations, placing people who rely on Medicaid and their care teams at the center of design and development:
- Equity first: Design systems to reach those historically left behind.
- Fix what hurts now: Focus on high-impact, real-world pain points.
- Trust before data: Prioritize privacy, consent and transparency.
- AI as a relational engine: Strengthen ongoing member engagement.
- Behavior change as an objective: Measure success by improved results.
- Human + AI = Evolutionary Compassion: Use technology to enhance, not replace, healthcare teams.
In an era of political change, economic tightening, and increasing complexity of care, Cityblock believes that the true promise of AI in healthcare is to be a deflationary force – driving cost sustainability while making care more accessible, more responsive, and more humane.
To find out more, read the report here.
About Cityblock Health
Cityblock Health is a value-based healthcare provider focused on the complex clinical, behavioral and social health needs of dual-eligible and Medicaid beneficiaries. Cityblock offers a fully integrated solution that directly delivers clinical care to one of the highest-risk and hardest-to-reach populations. Powered by cutting-edge technology that provides its care team with a data-driven understanding of member needs and risks, Cityblock has demonstrated industry-leading engagement, member retention, significant reductions in avoidable hospital readmissions, and reduced total cost of care.
Cityblock currently serves more than 100,000 members and partners with state and regional health plans and Medicaid health systems. To learn more, visit www.cityblock.com.
All medical services are provided by licensed physicians and health care practitioners employed by Cityblock Medical Practice, PA Cityblock Health, Inc. provides management and administrative services to Cityblock Medical Practices.
SOURCE Neighborhood Health
