Category 4: Using Innovative Technologies to Deliver Simple, Seamless, and Secure Services

KATHRYN WETHERBY

Acting Director

Marketplace Innovation and Technology Group​

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Kathryn “Kate” Wetherby is being honored in Category 4: Using Innovative Technologies to Deliver Simple, Seamless, and Secure Services for transforming Healthcare.gov into a more accessible, reliable, and user-friendly platform for millions of Americans. As Acting Director of CMS’s Marketplace Innovation and Technology Group, Kate has advanced human-centered design, data-driven decision-making, and modern cloud technologies to strengthen system performance during critical Open Enrollment periods.

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In 2026, Kate’s leadership supported approximately 23 million Marketplace plan selections nationwide, including 15.8 million through Healthcare.gov. She also led the rapid implementation of major legislative changes, translating complex policy requirements into functional updates to eligibility, subsidies, and enrollment processes while minimizing disruption for consumers. By coordinating more than 25 development teams, Kate has strengthened collaboration, removed delivery barriers, and driven continuous improvements across the Marketplace.

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Her leadership has helped millions of Americans access and maintain health coverage with greater confidence. More than 3.3 million new consumers enrolled in Marketplace plans in 2026, while nearly 19.6 million returning consumers maintained coverage. Improved usability, reliability, and clearer information make enrollment easier for the public, while Kate’s collaborative leadership gives development teams the support and coordination needed to deliver high-quality services at scale.