HTN Lunch & Learn: The New Healthcare Startup Imperative: Professional Government Advocacy - What's Happening, Where is CMS/CMMI Going and How to Influence Policy Decisions as a Startup

​Government affairs and policy work is foundational for many larger healthcare organizations, however, for many healthcare startups, it often falls to the bottom of the priority list after fundraising, product market fit, growth strategies, and more.

​But with the government paying almost 50% of all healthcare bills in the country, advocating for your care model is increasingly critical for startups too. From better understanding government program certainty to figuring out how to influence policy as a small, growing organization, professional advocacy must be a key part of success for healthcare startups and can have an effect on IPOs, valuation, raising fresh capital or acquisitions. 

​The first step is knowing where to begin, particularly for resource constrained startups. From keeping up to date on the latest CMS and CMMI policy changes, to writing op-eds, to determining what policy panels and conferences to appear at and even inviting elected officials to tour your facilities, it can feel overwhelming for startup folks looking to establish a solid policy / government presence.

​We'll be joined by Andrew Schwab (Founder) of Platform Government Strategies, an independent D.C.-based healthcare government strategy & advocacy firm. Prior to PGS, Andrew held a number of senior level policy government affairs roles across several organizations, including Oak Street Health, United States of Care, The Alliance of Community Health Plans, AARP, the NJ State Legislature and the U.S. Senate. Andrew will walk us through his perspective on where the policy puck is headed over at CMS/CMMI and best practices for how to influence policy decisions as a startup.