Chethan Sarabu, MD
Jan 28, 2025
2025 has started with a great deal of change, largely due to the major political shift in Washington, which has significant implications for how healthcare access and costs will work for patients. With the beginning of a new presidential administration, there is a heightened sense of both uncertainty and concern in the healthcare landscape. Proposed changes include potential cuts to government-supported healthcare programs like Medicaid, which currently provides essential coverage to millions of Americans. These shifts could create ripple effects throughout the entire healthcare system, influencing not only access to care but also the prices patients will face for everything from routine visits to life-saving treatments. While the full scope of these changes remains unclear, it’s a critical moment for patients, providers, and advocates alike to pay attention and engage.
Reflections from the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference
Against this backdrop of change, our team participated in the annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, one of the most influential gatherings for healthcare and life sciences professionals. This year, the conference buzzed with discussions about AI’s transformative potential in healthcare. From drug discovery to hospital operations, there was no shortage of excitement about how these technologies could drive efficiencies, accelerate innovation, and improve engagement metrics within current payment models.
However, what stood out to us—and what felt notably absent—was a focus on how AI could directly benefit patients. While the conversations highlighted the potential for cost reductions and operational improvements, there was little attention paid to how these tools could be used to empower individuals, reduce medical debt, or address inequities in care. As we listened to these discussions, it only reinforced OpenHand’s mission to leverage AI not just for institutional efficiency but to create tangible, fair outcomes for patients navigating a system that often feels stacked against them.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and His Vision for Healthcare Equity
Last week also marked the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to reflect on his enduring legacy and his calls for justice in all forms. Among his many powerful statements, one resonates deeply in the context of healthcare. At the March 1966 Convention of the Medical Committee for Human Rights in Chicago, he declared:
“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhumane.”
These words remain as relevant today as they were nearly six decades ago. Inequality in healthcare is pervasive, from disparities in access and outcomes to the financial burdens placed disproportionately on vulnerable populations. Many of these issues are compounded by a lack of transparency, systemic errors, and the opaque pricing structures that continue to harm patients. As we reflect on Dr. King’s vision of justice and equity, we are reminded of the urgency to address these injustices head-on.
A Call for Action in 2025
As the year begins, it’s clear that we are at a pivotal moment for healthcare. Political changes, industry investments, and reflections on justice and equity are all converging, creating both challenges and opportunities. While the system remains imperfect and often unfair, there is hope in the growing movement toward transparency, innovation, and advocacy. At OpenHand, we remain committed to putting patients at the center of this transformation. Whether it’s through using AI to uncover billing errors, empower patients to challenge unfair charges, or bring more clarity to the often-murky world of healthcare pricing, we believe that a fairer system is possible. As we move through this year, we’ll continue working to build the tools and support patients need to navigate an increasingly complex system — here’s to a year of progress, innovation, and fairness in healthcare.