The Future of Medicaid Pediatric Care and Value-Based Partnerships: Chris Johnson, MBA

As “pediatric care deserts” continue to grow across the United States, Bluebird Kids Health is expanding a model designed to improve access and outcomes for children, particularly those enrolled in Medicaid. According to Chris Johnson, MBA, the CEO and founder of Bluebird Kids Health, the organization is focused on creating pediatric practices that are convenient, technology-enabled, and aligned with value-based care principles.

Bluebird Kids Health strategically places its clinics in accessible retail locations, often within shopping plazas anchored by grocery stores, making visits easier for families already frequenting those areas. Johnson emphasized that reducing barriers to care starts with convenience and a welcoming environment.

“We want families to walk in and feel respected,” Johnson said, describing clinics that are modern, bright, and intentionally designed to create a high-quality patient experience without high costs.

Beyond physical accessibility, the organization is heavily investing in technology to streamline care delivery and reduce administrative inefficiencies. Johnson explained that while the provider-patient relationship remains central to pediatrics, many surrounding processes can be modernized to improve both efficiency and the family experience.

Bluebird Kids Health offers digital tools for appointment scheduling, 24/7 mobile access, automated care coordination, referral management, and prescription refills. Johnson said these systems help families navigate care more easily while also lowering operational burdens on providers.

Managed care partnerships are another key component of the model. Bluebird works with Medicaid managed care organizations through value-based care arrangements that go beyond traditional fee-for-service reimbursement. Under these agreements, the organization can share in savings generated through improved preventive care and reduced emergency department utilization.

Johnson noted that many states are increasingly encouraging Medicaid managed care plans to adopt value-based arrangements that hold providers accountable for improving population health outcomes. He said this shift creates opportunities for providers and insurers to align incentives around innovation, preventive care, and long-term health improvements for pediatric patients.