Event brought together health care, technology, and policy leaders to expand access and modernize care delivery
RALEIGH, N.C. – (July 29, 2025) – State policymakers, health system leaders, insurance representatives and clinical innovators met on Monday at the North Carolina Primary Care Innovation Symposium to confront a growing health care challenge: the deepening shortage of primary care providers.
The event, hosted by the North Carolina Association of Health Plans (NCAHP), focused on how emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence and interoperability—can modernize care delivery, expand access and support overburdened care teams across the state.
The gathering came amid sobering forecasts: the Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortfall of 87,150 full‑time equivalent primary care physicians nationally by 2037. North Carolina is already feeling the pressure. The state ranks 33rd nationally in per-capita availability of primary care physicians, and 92 of its 100 counties are designated health professional shortage areas.
“Primary care is the foundation of our health system,” said state Sen. Jim Burgin, chair of the Senate Health Committee. “With the right investment, innovation and collaboration across sectors, North Carolina has an incredible opportunity to lead the nation in building a stronger, more accessible model of care—one that supports our providers, improves access and outcomes for patients, and sets a national example for what’s possible.”
The symposium agenda included sessions on the evolution of North Carolina’s advanced medical home model, the future of value-based care and how technology can reduce clinician workload and improve coordination across the care continuum.
Aashima Gupta, global director of healthcare strategy and solutions at Google Cloud, addressed the promise and limitations of technology in modern care delivery.
“We’re at a pivotal moment where AI and intelligent agents are poised to unlock unprecedented potential in healthcare,” said Gupta. “Imagine an industry where the burden of administration is significantly reduced through automation, from complex documentation to improving workflows. Picture a future where care teams are amplified, not replaced, and where every patient, regardless of their zip code, has access to timely, high-quality primary care. That’s the future we’re building, and it’s within our reach.”
Following a discussion of AI’s transformative potential across the healthcare landscape, attendees heard from solution providers offering specific applications designed to tackle the primary care shortage directly.
Mike Long, CEO of Lumeris, introduced the concept of primary care as a service, featuring Tom, an AI-powered virtual care team member embedded in clinical workflows to autonomously recommend best next actions—expanding capacity, improving access and reducing administrative burdens.
“Today, 100 million Americans are without any access to primary care at all, and another 100 million are receiving less primary care than they need,” said Mike Long, chairman and CEO of Lumeris. “The gap in available primary care hours and the hours that are needed is greater than a billion hours and growing. Demand is increasing so fast, the problem is now so enormous, that investing more capital into human resources cannot solve it. That’s why we are creating Tom, the world’s most powerful AI partner, designed specifically for physicians, care teams and their patients. And we’re proud to partner with leaders here in North Carolina and across the country who share our urgency and our commitment to solutions.”
Participating organizations included Aetna; AmeriHealth Caritas North Carolina; Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina; Carolina Complete Health; Cigna; Google Cloud; Lumeris; Molina; North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services; the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians; the North Carolina Medical Society; the North Carolina Pediatric Society; UnitedHealthcare; WellCare of North Carolina; and representatives from health systems, the General Assembly, and state Medicaid and policy organizations.
Peter Daniel, executive director of NCAHP and the event’s host, said the gathering was not just about ideas—it was about action.
“The people in this room represented the full spectrum of health care leadership in our state,” Daniel said. “We now have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to take what we discussed and translate it into meaningful steps forward.”
Next steps following the symposium will be developed in the coming weeks, focusing on identifying pilot opportunities, aligning policy recommendations and coordinating cross-sector technology investments.
About the North Carolina Association of Health Plans
The North Carolina Association of Health Plans is the leading voice for market-oriented health care solutions in the state. For over 20 years, NCAHP has represented the companies that provide health insurance coverage to millions of North Carolinians. The association advocates for policies that promote affordable, high-quality care, ensure a level playing field for health plans, and support the financial and physical well-being of health care consumers. NCAHP played a central role in the passage of North Carolina’s Medicaid reform legislation and continues to work closely with state leaders to ensure its successful implementation.
Learn more at www.ncahp.org.
Media contact:
Peter Daniel
Executive Director, North Carolina Association of Health Plans
peter.daniel@ncahp.org
