FEATURE STORIES

AI Model Created by LDI Fellows Could Save Medicare Billions

Ezekiel Emanuel and Amol Navathe developed ‘Franklin,’ an AI model that was three times more accurate at predicting Medicare costs than the current CMS system for adjusting risk-based payments.

Reducing Late Postpartum Maternal Deaths

LDI Fellows have implemented and tested interventions that address maternal health in the postpartum period, including remote monitoring, long-acting addiction care, and more.

Policy Takes on HBO Max's The Pitt

Meredith Doherty, Austin Kilaru, Eleanor Turi, Katie Auriemma, Eric Bressman, Karen Lasater, and more LDI Fellows shared policy recommendations for issues presented in the popular show.

Gamified Program Boosted Exercise

Research by Kimberly Waddell and colleagues revealed that a gamified intervention effectively increased daily steps for veterans with Parkinson’s disease. 

Hospital Ads Drove Emergency Department Admits

Atul Gupta and Abby Alpert found that more hospital television advertising increased emergency department admissions and greater Medicare spending.

 UPCOMING EVENTS

Medicaid After HR1: State Challenges and Policy Tradeoffs

Friday, May 1, 2026
12:00–1:00 p.m. ET

A Conversation with Patricia Boozang, MPH, Lanhee Chen, PhD, and Benjamin Sommers, MD, PhD, moderated by Rachel M. Werner, MD, PhD.

Virtual seminar open to the public.

AMETHIST@Penn 2026 Communications Summit

Thursday, May 14, 2026
12:00–2:50 p.m. ET

Keynote session with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, MPH.

Virtual event open to the public.

 EVENT RECAPS

Health Care Affordability: Evidence and Federal Policy Options

At our nonpartisan briefing co-hosted with Penn Washington, experts found notable consensus on the drivers of health care costs, and discussed potential paths forward.

Substance Use Disorder Policy & Care in a Time of Medicaid Change

Our CHERISH virtual conference drew 800+ registrants to explore upcoming Medicaid funding changes for substance use disorder treatment programs and strategies to preserve access.

IN THE MEDIA

“When Childbirth Becomes A Court Order: What This Viral Case Reveals About Black Maternal Health.” Elizabeth Howell. Forbes

“6 Things Psychologists Wish Men Knew About Mental Health.” Derek Griffith. New York Times

“Popular Weight Loss Medications Linked to Hidden Side Effects, Study Finds.” Neil Sehgal. The Hill

“Top Leadership Experts Sound the Alarm on the AI Doomsday: Bosses Are Choosing Tech Over People.” Eric Bradlow. Fortune

“Psychedelic Drugs Get the FDA Fast-Track.” Holly Fernandez Lynch. Politico

PUBLICATIONS

“Differential Impact of a Digital Mental Health Engagement Platform on Black and Female Health Care Workers: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial.” Anish K. Agarwal, Lauren Southwick, Rachel Gonzales, Lisa Bellini, David A. Asch, Nandita Mitra, Lin Yang, Rachel Kishton, Sarah Beck, Mohan Balachandran, Courtney Benjamin Wolk, Raina M. Merchant. Journal of General Internal Medicine

“Income and Geographic Disparities in in-Hospital Mortality Following Cardiovascular Procedures: Evidence From the National Inpatient Sample, 2016–2022.” Alon Bergman, Ashwin Nathan. Health Services Research

“Maternal Nativity and Residence in US Territories and Preterm Birth.” Diana Montoya-Williams, Alejandra Barreto, Brielle Formanowski, Heather H. Burris, Sara C. Handley, Timothy Nelin, Scott A. Lorch, Robin Ortiz. JAMA Network Open

“Gabapentin and Opioid Prescribing Trends Among Adolescents Undergoing Common Procedures: A National Retrospective Cohort Study.” Tori N. Sutherland, Molly Candon, Jennifer A. Rabbitts, Craig Newcomb, Scott E. Hadland. Anesthesiology

“Cardiovascular-Related Maternal Mortality.” Lisa D. Levine, Catherine Klammer, Jennifer Lewey. Obstetrics & Gynecology

Penn’s Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics is a national leader in advancing health policy through transformative research.