Nonprofit insurer CareSource is launching a $1 million program that aims to back responsible AI solutions in healthcare.
The initiative, launched through the CareSource Foundation, is seeking proposals for ways to advance and identify deployments for AI that can drive better outcomes and address barriers for individuals enrolled in Medicaid or who otherwise struggle to access care.
The program will provide up to $1 million over the course of two years to ensure the tool can deliver on meaningful and scalable benefits for the communities it serves.
Erhardt Preitauer, CEO of CareSource, said in an email to Fierce Healthcare that AI offers the potential to improve not just patient care but the experience for providers too as they navigate complex conditions.
"I'm a big believer that when technology, healthcare and the people in our communities rally around a shared purpose, magic can happen," said Preitauer. "Leaving no stone unturned is the only way we can make healthcare work better for people, and AI gives us the power to explore every possibility."
The program will include two phases. First, interested applicants can submit shorter proposals, with the goal of generating interest. Applications that are selected to move on will be tasked with submitting a more fleshed out proposal, including details on implementation, AI governance and sustainability.
CareSource is aiming to identify solutions that ready for implementation and has the potential for scale. Potential focus areas include care coordination, member engagement, behavioral health and rural healthcare. Solutions should use AI to support care delivery but it should not replace human judgement or oversight, the insurer said.
To be eligible, a qualified nonprofit organization must be leading the effort, according to the announcement. Technology companies, academic researchers, healthcare organizations and community-based groups can also play a role as partners.
Applicants moving to the second phase of the program will also be required to showcase data privacy and security, solutions to address and prevent bias and ongoing performance tracking.