Our Methodology
Understand the vendor signals that drive outcomes
The Momentum Actuarial Value Engine (MAVE) is a structured framework — built on decades of actuarial expertise — for evaluating healthcare service vendors across four critical domains, so you can make confident, defensible decisions.
Why a structured methodology matters
Healthcare service vendor evaluation often relies on incomplete information, inconsistent frameworks, and optimistic vendor projections. The result? Decisions that look good on paper but fail to deliver expected results — and you have to start all over again.
MAVE addresses this by surfacing the vendor signals that matter. The framework provides a consistent, actuarially-sound structure that translates vendor operating models into quantified impact on medical spend, quality, and member experience. It asks the same rigorous questions for every vendor, enabling true apples-to-apples comparison.
The Four Risk Categories
Every MAVE report analyzes vendors across these interconnected dimensions.
Operating Model
Understanding how a vendor delivers its solution is essential for forecasting both impact and implementation complexity.
Key questions we answer:
- How does the vendor identify and engage eligible members?
- What clinical interventions or services are provided?
- How is the program delivered (digital, telephonic, in-person)?
- What is the expected member engagement rate?
Clinical Impact
Clinical outcomes form the foundation of any medical cost impact. We assess the evidence base and expected clinical improvements.
Key questions we answer:
- What clinical outcomes does the vendor target?
- What is the quality of evidence supporting these outcomes?
- How do outcomes translate to utilization changes?
- What population segments will see the most benefit?
Financial Impact
Translating clinical outcomes into financial terms requires actuarial rigor. We model expected PMPM impact and ROI.
Key questions we answer:
- What is the expected medical cost reduction?
- How does pricing structure affect net savings?
- What is the expected ROI timeline?
- How sensitive are projections to key assumptions?
Operational Feasibility
Even the best solution fails if it cannot be implemented. We evaluate integration requirements and operational lift.
Key questions we answer:
- What data integrations are required?
- What is the expected implementation timeline?
- What internal resources are needed?
- How does this fit with existing vendor relationships?
Our guiding principles
Evidence over claims
We prioritize peer-reviewed research and validated outcomes over vendor marketing materials.
Transparent assumptions
Every projection includes clear documentation of assumptions so you can stress-test our analysis.
Actuarial rigor
Our team applies the same standards used in rate filings and reserve calculations.
Practical applicability
Analysis is designed to support real decisions, not just theoretical exercises.
What you get
Every MAVE report delivers actionable insight you can use immediately.
Executive Summary
High-level findings and recommendations for leadership presentations.
Detailed Analysis
In-depth evaluation across all four domains with supporting evidence.
Risk Analysis
Key signals that could impact clinical and financial performance — so you know what to monitor.
Ready to understand the vendor signals that matter?
Create a free account to explore the MARC database and request your first MAVE report.