1
TUE, JUN 16
Kickoff Event
We heard from leaders, learned the challenge, met collaborators, and began shaping solutions.
Philadelphia
Summer Challenge
All are welcome
A public challenge to protect access to health benefits and coverage
The JeffSolves Summer Sprint Challenge was a 6-week sprint that brought together students, professionals, and community members to build human-centered solutions that protect access to critical health benefits.
Jun 16 – Jul 30, 2026 · Sprint complete
Presented by
Health Access Philly
Thomas Jefferson University
Health Design Lab
Health Tech PHL
Jefferson
Community Health and Impact
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Why This Matters Now
It is becoming easier for people to lose the coverage and support they count on.
Recent policy changes could make it harder for people to keep Medicaid and SNAP benefits, even when they still qualify. A missed notice, confusing renewal, new reporting requirement, or missing document can disrupt access to care, food, work, and daily stability for millions of Pennsylvanians.
Our neighbors need support. You can help.
1,500,000+
Pennsylvanians at risk for losing health coverage each year.
Source: PHMC
35%
of adults say it's too hard to renew or keep coverage.
Source: PHMC
$2.3B
in annual costs in our region when people lose coverage.
Source: Urban Institute
$500+
Average cost shifted to providers and taxpayers per uninsured ER visit.
Source: Urban Institute
Projected Medicaid & SNAP Losses Due to Federal Changes
Learn more about the impact of upcoming federal changes from the PA Dept of Human Services
Thursday, July 30, 2026 · Demo Day
The sprint has concluded.
The JeffSolves Summer Sprint Challenge culminated on July 30 with Demo Day, where teams shared the prototypes they built over six weeks to protect health coverage in Philadelphia. Thank you to every participant, mentor, and community partner who gave their time and expertise.
“The system is hard for everyone.”
Read the LinkedIn article to see how the sprint concluded and the concepts teams developed to protect health coverage in Philadelphia.
Read the LinkedIn article
From Intent to Impact
How the challenge works
Discover, collaborate, build, refine, and pitch — every team moves through the same five-phase arc during the sprint.
1. DISCOVER
Explore the challenge and unmet needs.
2. COLLABORATE
Co-design solutions with the community.
3. BUILD
Prototype and validate with real feedback.
4. REFINE
Iterate and polish based on feedback.
5. PITCH
Present your solution at the showcase.
THE SPRINT CHALLENGE TIMELINE
How the sprint unfolded.
From kickoff through Demo Day, here is the road the challenge traveled.
A flexible guide, not a fixed schedule
These phases were a general roadmap — teams built asynchronously on their own timeline, with both structured touchpoints and as-needed support from the sprint team along the way.
2
JUN 22 to JUN 26
Discovery
Teams met people on the frontlines of health access and learned what they need.
3
JUL 6 to JUL 10
Ideation and Scoping
Teams ideated tools and solutions with mentors and partners.
4
JUL 13 to JUL 30
Prototype Development
Teams built, tested, and refined solutions with community feedback.
5
THU, JUL 30
Demo Day
Teams shared their solutions and celebrated impact with the wider community.
6
AUG 2026 AND BEYOND
The Challenge Continues
Demo Day is a just milestone. Teams that want to keep building step into a continued support runway designed to turn prototypes into lasting change for Pennsylvania.
Incubation support
Continued mentorship and workspace for teams who keep building.
Funding intros
Connections to aligned funders and pilot opportunities.
Community pilots
Pathways to test solutions with real partner organizations.
What to Expect
A 6-week challenge. Real support. Tangible outcomes.
You'll get the tools, guidance, and connections to turn ideas into solutions — structured working sessions, hands-on coaching, and a community of collaborators committed to seeing the work through past Demo Day.
Expert mentorship
Guidance from experienced leaders and practitioners.
Team-based innovation
Build solutions with a diverse team.
Tools & resources
Design thinking, data, and technical support.
Real-world testing
Validate with community partners and stakeholders.
Recognition & visibility
Showcase your work to funders, press, and civic leaders.
Demo Day & beyond
Continue the work while pursuing real-world impact.
Who Joined
All perspectives. One purpose.
Teams brought together diverse experiences, expertise, and ideas to build solutions that work for our city. Lived experience, professional craft, and a willingness to learn all had a role in this challenge.
- Community members and advocates
- Students and recent graduates
- Public health professionals
- Health plans and providers
- Tech, data, and design experts
- Policy, government, and civic leaders
HOW IT STARTED
We kicked off the challenge on June 16.
On Tuesday, June 16 at Jefferson Alumni Hall in Center City Philadelphia, with a virtual audience joining on Zoom, we launched the JeffSolves Summer Sprint Challenge. The evening grounded the room in why benefits access is urgent, opened a community discussion about HR-1 and what is at stake, and featured a partner panel with Clarifi, Jefferson Health Plans, and Philabundance moderated by Erin Morton of United Way.
A detailed recap and photos are coming soon. The event recording will be shared with challenge participants.
Contact Us
Have a question about the challenge?
Whether you're a community member, curious about Demo Day, or following the work, send us a note. We read every message and reply as soon as we can.