The launch of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Health Tech Ecosystem marks a major step towards connecting medical and wellness data across providers, insurers and technology firms. While confined to US borders, it builds on a legacy of health data access initiatives in the EU, Australia and Singapore. By enabling more coordinated and preventative care, it promises a model that could transform how health systems and insurers deliver services globally. Yet the same data flows that support innovation also raise concerns about privacy, transparency and commercial use.

This Key Points briefing examines how policymakers and insurers can balance greater data mobility with strong governance, ensuring public trust while realising the benefits of an integrated and responsive health system.