As America’s population ages, states are looking to AI to fill the gaps

State health officials are exploring a novel use of artificial intelligence to combat a very human problem: loneliness and social isolation. 

Washington in March became the first state to allow Medicaid reimbursement for an AI-assisted device named EllliQ for older adults living alone. Other states including Wisconsin, Florida and New York provide the device to select populations through Medicaid or state aging departments.