CMS launches HealthTech Ecosystem launch to "kill the clipboard," rolls out identity, Blue Button and app‑library features

CMS hosted a HealthTech Ecosystem launch where agency leaders, patients and more than 700 organizations demonstrated tools designed to replace paper intake forms and connect patient data across providers.

Amy Gleason, introduced at the start of the session and opening the program, told attendees the day was “really about all of you — the companies, the builders, the providers, the payers, and most importantly, the patients,” and that the demonstrations would show “networks that talk to each other, AI that knows your history before you open your mouth.” (Amy Gleason, SEG 095–116)

Secretary Kennedy framed the policy rationale for the initiative, citing U.S. health spending and chronic‑disease burdens as part of the reason to push for prevention and better data access. "We need to modernize health technology and upgrade American health care," he said, listing prevention and AI as central to that effort. (Secretary Kennedy, SEG 126–209)

Administrator Oz called the day a milestone in efforts to “kill the clipboard” and described two guiding goals: end clipboard‑driven intake and put flowing data to work with patient‑centered AI tools. He said CMS had delivered initial versions of four of five commitments the agency made as part of the pledge and challenged the private sector to keep up. (Administrator Oz, SEG 212–548)

Practical features shown and announced

- Modern identity on Medicare.gov: Leslie Wilson, a CMS product lead, said Medicare.gov now supports identity providers id.me, CLEAR and login.gov and reported more than 1,000,000 identity‑verified logins in under a month. She said the work enables beneficiaries to use apps and digital tools without juggling multiple portal credentials and that caregiver accounts are in development so authorized helpers can access beneficiary information with explicit permission. (Leslie Wilson, SEG 1013–1239)

- Blue Button IAS and faster claims: CMS' Blue Button team described a new Blue Button IAS endpoint that can expose pre‑adjudicated claims and make near‑real‑time claims and clinical data available through the Blue Button API, enabling earlier detection and better coordination in care journeys. (Blue Button team / Anthony, SEG 1266–1310)

- Medicare app library: CMS previewed a Medicare app library on medicare.gov — a CMS‑hosted discovery resource intended to surface vetted patient apps and tools for beneficiaries, listing organizations that have met pledge requirements and those still onboarding. (Leslie Wilson, SEG 1210–1239)

- Provider directory data: Fred Trotter said CMS plans a public dataset and specifications available at directory.cms.gov to help reconcile provider directory silos and make provider endpoint information downloadable in FHIR/NDJSON formats for public use. (Fred Trotter, SEG 1498–1515)

Demos and patient examples

Over 50 demo videos presented live examples across categories: network connectivity (Humana, Be Well, Connexus), patient‑facing apps (Flexpa, Be Well, Fasten, VinylHealth), EHR integrations (Epic/Meditech/Oracle), and condition‑focused apps for diabetes and obesity (Fruit Street, WellDoc, Noom, Aura). Multiple demonstrations showed patients verifying identity with CLEAR or id.me, generating a QR smart‑health link or smart health card, and having a provider scan it to import a PDF or FHIR bundle into the EHR at check‑in.

Patients and clinicians emphasized the practical gains of immediate access to records. "For the first time, I could see a near future where I didn't have to retell my story every single time I walk into a room," said Morgan Gleason, a longtime patient who described the burden of dozens of portals and repeated intake. A patient testimonial said an AI assistant helped flag a test that quickly ruled out a possible cancer diagnosis. (Morgan Gleason, SEG 35; patient testimonial SEG 3930+)

Regulatory and safety context

Speakers from the FDA and other agencies emphasized safety guardrails. An FDA representative highlighted draft guidance clarifying when the agency will regulate medical software and said cybersecurity and public‑safety protections are a high priority as these tools move toward production. (Commissioner McCarrie, SEG 549–614)

What comes next

CMS presenters repeatedly framed the launch as a milestone, not the finish line: more production status rollouts are expected by July, caregiver accounts and the final CMS commitments remain in progress, and the agency plans to continue testing with partners. Amy Gleason closed by urging continued collaboration across government, industry and patient groups. (Amy Gleason and organizers, SEG 4710–4744)

Sources and attributions: Quotes and factual descriptions come from the CMS HealthTech Ecosystem launch session as captured in the transcript (speakers referenced by the names and roles they used in the session).