The infrastructure gap holding back public health outcomes

States are spending billions on healthcare, but where is the coordination?

State healthcare agencies are tasked with delivering high-quality services under intense constraints. These teams of experts must respond to public health emergencies, support complex populations and remain compliant with ever-changing federal and state regulations. Yet many are attempting to meet these obligations while relying on fragmented systems, paper-based processes and outdated infrastructure.

Despite being on the front lines of public health, 96% of large city health departments struggle to share data with their state counterparts, according to a report from the Big Cities Health Coalition.

This is not merely inefficient. Organizations without integrated data systems lack visibility into the individuals and communities they serve. Caseworkers often spend more time managing administrative tasks than engaging directly with clients. Leaders are forced to make high-stakes decisions based on incomplete or outdated information. The result is a system prone to delays, duplication and missed opportunities for public health interventions.

The need is not for more policy discussions, but for investment in a modernized operational foundation.

The case for modern case management
Modern case management begins with integration. If states were building their health and human services infrastructure today, it would look very different from the fragmented systems still in place across much of the country. Instead of siloed data and outdated tools, agencies would prioritize connected systems that support visibility, adaptability and coordination.

At its core, effective case management relies on accurate, accessible information. When enrollment data, service histories and case notes are brought together in one system, caseworkers can see the full picture. This broader view enables earlier interventions, better-aligned services and more responsive support. Over time, this leads to measurable improvements in health and social outcomes.

Efficiency through automation
Administrative burdens continue to erode staff capacity. Routine eligibility checks, manual appointment scheduling and redundant data entry divert attention away from direct service delivery. Over time, this inefficiency contributes to burnout and turnover, weakening agencies’ ability to meet community needs.

A modern case management platform alleviates these burdens by automating routine workflows. Freed from repetitive tasks, staff can focus on assessing needs, building relationships and guiding individuals through complex systems of care. When staff are supported with the right tools, performance and morale improve in tandem.

Making informed decisions at scale
Public health decisions increasingly depend on timely, reliable data. A modern case management system transforms daily operations into actionable insights, giving agencies a clearer view of program performance, service gaps and emerging needs.

These tools also strengthen compliance. Instead of reacting to audits or policy changes, agencies can track activity in real time, manage risk proactively and respond with greater agility. Continuous monitoring supports transparency, reinforces accountability and makes it easier to meet evolving regulatory requirements.

Related: Brochure: Maven® Public Health Management Solutions

Collaboration without compromising privacy
The populations served by public agencies rarely interact with just one department. Medicaid, behavioral health, child welfare and other services intersect frequently. Without integrated systems, vital information is lost across these boundaries, creating inefficiencies and jeopardizing continuity of care.

A secure, role-based case management platform supports cross-agency collaboration while maintaining strict adherence to privacy requirements. Information is shared appropriately, with controls in place to protect client confidentiality. The result is a coordinated care model that respects both the complexity of service delivery and the dignity of those receiving care.

Adaptability in a time of rapid change
Public health is no longer a static domain. New programs, evolving policies, and shifting funding streams demand infrastructure that can scale and reconfigure in real time.

Cloud-based case management platforms offer this flexibility. They can be deployed statewide, customized for various programs and expanded to include emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

Conduent’s contribution
Conduent’s Maven® Public Health Solutions embody the principles of modern case management. It is an integrated, secure and highly configurable solution designed specifically for the realities of state healthcare operations. Maven enables agencies to deliver measurable outcomes at scale, support their workforce, and uphold data security while remaining adaptable to changing conditions.

Maven helps protect more 190 million people by supporting the management of more than 100 reportable conditions across 50 jurisdictions, including U.S. states, cities, counties and international regions.

As public expectations rise and resources remain limited, state agencies must rethink how they manage care delivery. A modern case management infrastructure is no longer optional.