How Health Plans Work: Incentives, Decisions & Opportunities for Startups

Learn how health plans evaluate new technologies and position your startup for successful healthcare partnerships. Understanding how health plans evaluate new solutions is essential for healthcare startups. Join the MSU Research Foundation for a practical look at how payers evaluate new technologies and potential partners. We'll explore what drives payer decision-making and how founders can better prepare for conversations with healthcare organizations. This session will include: • How health plans are organized and the roles they play in the healthcare system • What payers look for when evaluating new technologies and startup partnerships • Current industry trends shaping payer priorities, including margin pressures and vertical integration • Practical strategies to help position your solution for future payer engagement • Complimentary lunch will be provided Whether you're developing a medical device, digital health platform, diagnostic, or other healthcare technology, you'll leave better prepared for conversations with payers and future partners. SCALE-UP! SESSIONS: Scale-Up! Sessions is a monthly series for startup and growth companies covering key topics like branding, customer discovery, fundraising, marketing, and more, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation. Sessions are a mix of formats, from hands-on workshops and presentations to casual networking events. Whether you're refining your pitch deck, learning about SBIR/STTR grants, or exploring sales strategies, these sessions offer practical tools and insights to help your business scale. ABOUT THE ORGANIZER: The MSU Research Foundation supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns. Learn more about the MSU Research Foundation and its impact at msufoundation.org