The Kent Group

Strategic Consulting on Health Care Policy in California

Our services

The Kent Group provides strategic consulting for both state and national clients on health care issues in California.

State and Federal Regulation

Ensure your business and market strategy is evaluated to meet the constantly-shifting landscape of state and federal rules. The Kent Group provides advice to clients in areas where health policy, business and government intersect. TKG’s philosophy and focus is to work as a collaborative partner with a client’s business, fiscal, legal, communications and political experts in preparing and implementing strategic plans that help translate to success in California.

California Budget

Benefits, rates and large policy changes all happen through California’s budget process. The Kent Group will assist clients with navigating and negotiating the policy, legislative and fiscal issues associated with the annual state budget.

State Government Insights

Regardless of the nature of the issue, whether in a governmental administrative proceeding, business transaction, or advocating for changes in regulatory or legislative policy, TKG’s approach is comprehensive. We not only look at issues that prevent clients from expanding their business, but also identify the opportunities and options available to clients, and then assist in designing, evaluating and implementing a strategy that most effectively meets their goals. While TKG is not a lobbying firm, nor do we provide any legal advice, we work closely with many experienced and talented legislative advocates, attorneys, communications professionals and other political experts to help clients achieve their objectives.

State and Federal Medicaid Financing

Navigating state financing and payment policies for Medicaid requires extensive, hands-on policy experience. TKG offers Medicaid expertise in the following areas:

Medicaid eligibility and enrollment

Medicaid managed care plans

Medicaid waivers

Medicaid benefits

Medicaid financing

Medicaid managed care rate setting

Medicaid provider taxes

Medicaid supplemental payments

Jennifer Kent, CEO

Jennifer Kent is an expert in California’s diverse health care market and state Medicaid programs. She has more than fifteen years of extensive health administration and policy experience that spans three gubernatorial administrations and encompasses both private and public delivery systems.

Jennifer is recognized as one of California’s leading experts on the state’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act, including the creation of the state health exchange legislation (Covered California) and other federal health reform measures.

Prior to forming The Kent Group, Jennifer served as Director of the California Department of Health Care Services where she oversaw the second largest public healthcare system in the nation with an annual budget of over $100 billion, serving approximately 13 million Californians.

Over the course of her career, Jennifer negotiated three multi-billion-dollar managed care tax proposals with support from industry, elected officials and the federal government. She led the second largest health program in the nation and has served in private-sector health executive roles, which gives her a unique insight into state and federal health policies.