Unpacking Policy and Strategy: Insights from the 2025 National Association for Community Health Centers (NACHC) Policy and Issues Forum
This post was written by Sarah Dunbar, Consultant
The 2025 National Association for Community Health Centers (NACHC) Policy and Issues Forum offered a dynamic platform to explore the current landscape of healthcare policy and the strategic direction for community health centers. By focusing on advancing value-based care, addressing health disparities, and emphasizing the vital role of community health centers, this year’s forum delivered essential insights for healthcare providers, payers, and policymakers alike.
The Role of Medicaid in Advancing Value-Based Care
Medicaid has long been a critical lever for promoting greater access to care, including to those who have been historically unable to access quality health care, and this year’s discussions reinforced its potential to bridge health disparities. During the “Medicaid as a Health Equity Tool” panel, leaders highlighted the need for intentional policy design to ensure that Medicaid programs address the unique needs of vulnerable populations.
One of the most impactful takeaways was emphasizing integrating social care with clinical care. As Medicaid increasingly acknowledges the importance of health-related social needs (HRSN), states are exploring innovative approaches to address barriers such as housing instability, food insecurity, and access to transportation through Medicaid 1115 waivers. These initiatives aim to enhance health outcomes while reducing costs, demonstrating the power of Medicaid.
However, as the landscape evolves, so must the language used to describe efforts around health and access, especially in light of new federal priorities or frameworks, even if the core of their mission remains unchanged. The integration of Medicaid with social care initiatives offers a promising path forward. Community health centers, driven by their deep connection to their communities, will remain at the forefront of these efforts.
Unpacking the Promise and Challenges of Value-Based Care
The transition to value-based care (VBC) remains a primary focus for community health centers and payers. At the “Operationalizing Value-Based Care” panel, experts discussed the complexities of moving from fee-for-service to value-based payment models. The key to success? Data-driven decision-making and strategic partnerships.
Providers are tasked with demonstrating their value in clinical outcomes and cost efficiency in the value-based care environment. This requires robust data analytics capabilities and collaboration with payers to share risks and rewards. However, operational challenges persist, particularly for small- to medium-sized healthcare providers navigating complex value-based contracts. As more organizations explore shared savings models, the need for clear metrics, transparency, and scalable solutions becomes increasingly evident.
Advanced Payment Models: The Future is Here
One of the most forward-looking sessions was the panel on “Innovative Payment Models and Advanced Primary Care.” The conversation centered around advanced payment models designed to enhance care coordination, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs.
Speakers highlighted the growing momentum around global payment models and capitation, particularly for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). These models offer excellent financial stability while incentivizing holistic, patient-centered care. Yet, successful implementation hinges on robust data infrastructure and effective population health management strategies.
The panel also explored the role of health information exchanges (HIEs) in supporting advanced payment models. By facilitating seamless data sharing between payers, providers, and community-based organizations, HIEs enable a more comprehensive understanding of patient needs, ultimately driving better health outcomes.
What’s Next? Emerging Opportunities and Challenges
The 2025 NACHC Policy and Issues Forum underscored that the future of community health lies at the intersection of policy innovation, strategic partnerships, and data-driven decision-making.
However, significant challenges remain. One of the most pressing issues is the need for standardized data collection and interoperability to drive population health insights and performance metrics. Community health centers will struggle to demonstrate value and secure sustainable funding without cohesive data strategies.
Moving Forward
Reflecting on the insights from the 2025 NACHC Policy and Issues Forum, one thing is clear: the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, and community health centers must be at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging Medicaid’s funding and initiatives as a powerful tool, embracing value-based care, and addressing health-related social needs through strategic community partnerships, the future of community health is bright.
At HSG, we are committed to helping healthcare organizations navigate these changes by providing strategic guidance, data analytics, and operational support. Whether you are just beginning your journey into value-based care or looking to optimize advanced payment models, we are here to help you achieve your goals.
Ready to take the next step? Learn how we can support your organization in driving value, promoting balance in healthcare delivery, and maximizing impact in today’s complex healthcare landscape.
About the Authors: Sarah Dunbar is a consultant. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
