Steep cuts to Medicaid by Republican lawmakers are spurring nonprofits and social enterprises to help enrolled patients and their families stretch benefits and care access.
Impact investors are rallying behind Nest Health, a New Orleans-based startup that offers in-home and virtual care for Medicaid families, as well services like care coordination with specialists and assistance securing housing and registering for utilities.
“Now is the time for investors to double down on solutions for working-class Americans, not shy away from them,” said Yusill Scribner of Impact America Fund, which invested in Nest’s Series A round alongside Hopelab, Luminary Impact Fund and Socium Ventures, an impact venture fund owned by Cox Enterprises.
“We’re excited to invest in a company that has unicorn-sized ambitions by serving families on Medicaid,” Scribner told ImpactAlpha. “By meeting people at home and treating the whole family, Nest is bringing healthcare into the context of everyday life, where it can have the greatest impact.”
Nest’s Series A round has reached $22.5 million after a $12.5 million first close in August.
Family-centered care
Through partnerships with AmeriHealth Caritas in Louisiana and Blue Cross Blue Shield in Arizona, Nest Health says it has reduced emergency room visits and increased vaccination rates.
“Our partnership with Nest Health is bringing a proven, whole-family model into homes across Maricopa County and rural Mohave County [in Arizona], where limited provider access makes this care especially impactful,” said Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Heather Carter.
