The 2026 State HIT Connect Summit in New Orleans brought together federal leaders, state agencies, Medicaid directors, human services teams, and technology partners to discuss the future of public-sector health technology.

For the Briljent team, the week was filled with conversations — meeting with clients, partners, and peers to discuss how agencies are navigating the next wave of policy change, federal investment, and emerging technology.

Across panels, presentations, and hallway conversations, three themes surfaced consistently: Rural Health Transformation (RHT), H.R. 1 readiness, and the accelerating conversation around AI.

The Briljent team (left to right): Nick Blake, Vice President, Business Development; Adam Gulla, Director, Client Services; Carenza Love, Medicaid IT Consultant; Matt Odum, President; Sheila Kearney, Director, Health Strategy & Innovation.

1. Rural Health Transformation is Driving New Energy and New Approaches

Rural Health Transformation is becoming a major driver of innovation across states.

State leaders are energized about the RHT Program and the opportunity it creates to strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care, and modernize infrastructure.

While the goals of the program are broadly shared, the strategies states are pursuing vary widely. Each state is tailoring its approach based on its provider landscape, rural population needs, and existing health technology infrastructure.

What stood out most at the summit was the creativity states are bringing to the effort. Some are focusing on infrastructure investments and provider support. Others are experimenting with new service delivery models and partnerships.

In some cases, states are approaching RHT with a mindset that looks more like private-sector innovation. One example discussed involved using funding to support startup-style solutions, such as mobile imaging services that bring diagnostics directly to rural communities.

Technology investments are also a major component of these initiatives. RHT requires that a significant portion of funding support technology, which is accelerating efforts around telehealth expansion, interoperability, and data exchange. Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) are increasingly viewed as critical infrastructure for these efforts, with several states discussing plans to strengthen interoperability through FHIR-based data sharing.

2. H.R. 1 Readiness Will Require Strong Operational Capacity

H.R. 1 implementation will be as much an operational challenge as a technology one.

Another major focus at the summit was the upcoming H.R. 1 policy changes and the operational work required for states to implement them successfully.

While the policy details continue to evolve, agencies are already preparing operationally while awaiting additional federal policy guidance expected later this year.

Key priorities discussed include:

• Expanding contact center staffing and training
• Supporting eligibility and application processing
• Implementing tools to manage community engagement verification

For many states, these updates are not simply technology projects. They also require operational planning to ensure beneficiaries, providers, and agency staff can navigate the changes effectively.

The conversation at the summit reinforced an important point: policy changes often create downstream operational challenges. Agencies that invest early in workforce readiness and training will be better positioned to implement new requirements smoothly.

3. AI Adoption Will Happen Faster Than Many Expect

Conversations are shifting from “if” to “where” AI can deliver value.

While many states remain cautious, the tone of the discussion has shifted noticeably. Agencies are moving beyond asking whether AI will play a role and beginning to explore where it can provide value.

Several potential use cases came up repeatedly in discussions with state leaders and vendors:

• Fraud detection and program integrity
• Policy interpretation and document analysis
• Administrative workflow automation

At the same time, agencies are thinking carefully about governance. Questions around procurement pathways, oversight, and risk management are central to early AI planning.

Compared to even a year ago, the conversation has clearly evolved. AI is increasingly seen as a potential tool to help agencies manage complex programs, analyze data, and improve administrative efficiency.

Supporting the Work Ahead

One message was clear throughout the summit: modernization is about people as much as technology.

Whether implementing rural health programs, preparing for H.R. 1 changes, or exploring AI-enabled tools, states are navigating complex transitions. Success will depend on preparing staff, providers, and communities to adopt new systems and processes.

This is where collaboration across agencies, vendors, and partners becomes essential.

At Briljent, we focus on the human side of modernization—helping organizations turn complex initiatives into real-world results through training, organizational change management, health strategy consulting, project management, and workforce support.

If your agency is planning RHT initiatives, preparing for HR1 implementation, or exploring responsible AI adoption, we would welcome the opportunity to connect and share what we’re seeing across the industry.

Send us a message!