Greater Value Portfolio 2026 Grantees

The Foundation is pleased to announce the latest recipients of the Greater Value Portfolio grant program. Through this initiative, the Foundation supports two-year research projects of up to $550,000 each to advance practical, high-impact approaches to building a more valuable healthcare system. The program focuses on evaluating tools and strategies that organizations can readily implement to improve quality, equity, and value for patients and communities. Applicants are required to partner with a healthcare delivery organization or be embedded within a research unit integrated into a healthcare system, ensuring that funded work remains grounded in real-world practice.

Kevin Nguyen, PhD & Megan B. Cole Brahim, PhD, MPH | Boston University | Impact of Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations on High‑Value Mental Health Care

Drs. Kevin Nguyen and Megan Cole Brahim are exploring how Medicaid Accountable Care Organization (ACO) models influence access, quality, and cost of mental health care for adults with complex needs. With mental health conditions affecting a significant portion of Medicaid enrollees, understanding whether coordinated care models deliver meaningful value improvements is essential. This project evaluates how different ACO structures shape service utilization, quality‑of‑care measures, and overall spending patterns.

Through a quasi‑experimental analysis of administrative claims data, the team will compare outcomes across multiple ACO models and non‑ACO populations before and after implementation. Findings will help policymakers identify which care delivery designs best support integrated mental health services while maintaining fiscal sustainability. By providing evidence on scalable Medicaid strategies, the study aims to advance more equitable, coordinated mental health care nationwide.

Emmanuel Drabo, PhD | Johns Hopkins University | Optimizing HIV Care for Medicaid Enrollees: A Data‑Driven Approach to Improve Outcomes

Dr. Emmanuel Drabo is leading a multi‑state initiative to strengthen HIV care engagement among Medicaid enrollees through advanced analytics and real‑time decision‑support tools. Despite the availability of effective treatments, many individuals living with HIV experience fragmented care due to disconnected data systems and persistent social barriers. This project focuses on integrating Medicaid and surveillance data to identify gaps in treatment engagement and support targeted interventions.

Working closely with state Medicaid agencies and managed care organizations, the research team will develop predictive dashboards and rapid‑cycle quality improvement strategies aimed at improving viral suppression, reducing costs, and promoting equity. The study’s collaborative approach emphasizes practical implementation, ensuring that analytic tools translate into actionable policy and practice changes. Ultimately, this work seeks to create a replicable model for data‑driven Medicaid reform that improves outcomes for people living with HIV.

Marta Jankowska, PhD | University of California | Environmental Exposure and Health Equity Research

Dr. Marta Jankowska’s research examines how environmental conditions and neighborhood characteristics influence health risks and disparities. By integrating geospatial analysis with public health data, her work seeks to identify how environmental exposures contribute to inequities across communities. This project aligns with broader efforts to understand how place‑based factors intersect with health outcomes and inform targeted interventions.

Through advanced spatial modeling and interdisciplinary collaboration, the study aims to produce actionable insights that guide policymakers, planners, and public health leaders in designing healthier environments. The findings will support evidence‑based decision‑making that addresses structural drivers of health disparities while promoting sustainable, community‑centered solutions.

Xin Hu, PhD & Ryan Suk, PhD | Emory University | Optimizing Value and Outcomes of Palliative Radiation for Bone Metastasis

Drs. Xin Hu and Ryan Suk are investigating how different palliative radiation therapy strategies affect outcomes, costs, and equity for patients with metastatic cancer. Bone metastases are a major source of pain and healthcare utilization, yet uncertainty remains about when advanced radiation modalities deliver meaningful value compared to conventional approaches. This project applies artificial intelligence and health system performance frameworks to better understand treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Using retrospective cohort analyses across multiple levels of care, the team will identify which patients benefit most from specific radiation strategies and evaluate their cost‑effectiveness. The results will inform clinician education, clinical decision‑support tools, and policy discussions around appropriate use of high‑cost technologies. By aligning treatment selection with patient needs and value‑based care principles, the study aims to improve both quality of life and resource stewardship in oncology.

Laura Garabedian, PhD, MPH | Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute | Impact of Medicaid Value‑Based Payment on Substance Use Disorder Treatment in Primary Care

Dr. Laura Garabedian is examining how Medicaid value‑based payment policies influence the delivery of substance use disorder treatment within primary care settings. Despite effective medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders, access remains limited due to structural barriers and insufficient prescribing capacity. This project evaluates whether sub‑capitation payment models encourage primary care practices to expand treatment access and improve quality.

Using a quasi‑experimental design, the research will assess changes in prescribing patterns, medication retention, and patient access before and after policy implementation. By analyzing differences across provider types and patient populations, the study will generate insights into how payment reforms can promote equitable, high‑value addiction care. Findings will inform Medicaid agencies and policymakers seeking scalable solutions to address the ongoing substance use crisis.