Senior Policy Analyst, Medicaid Policy

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that advances federal and state policies to help build a nation where everyone — regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ZIP code, immigration status, or disability status — has the resources they need to thrive and share in the nation’s prosperity. 

CBPP combines rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective advocacy to shape debates, affect policy, and inform effective implementation both nationally and in states. It works closely with a broad set of national, state, and community organizations to design and advance policies that promote economic justice; improve health; broaden opportunity in areas like housing, health care, employment, and education; and lower structural barriers for people of color and others in communities that continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity. CBPP promotes policies that will build a more equitable nation and fair tax policies that can support these gains over the long term. CBPP also shows the harmful impacts of policies and proposals that would deepen poverty, widen disparities, and worsen health outcomes.

In 2025, policymakers will make a number of consequential policy decisions — from passing a budget that will determine who and what we will invest in as a nation to considering fundamental changes to the Medicaid program — that will have a significant impact on the health and lives of millions of people as well as on the economy. CBPP will be deeply involved in informing policymakers, partners, and the public about the impact of health policy proposals, defending people’s access to affordable health care through Medicaid, and monitoring and communicating about the effect of any changes that are made through legislation, regulations, guidance, or Medicaid section 1115 waivers.

CBPP’s Health team seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to work on issues related to Medicaid. The Health team works at both the federal and state level to strengthen and expand health coverage for low- and moderate-income people; promote health equity in Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, employer-sponsored coverage, and tax policy; and secure adequate, sustainable, and progressive financing mechanisms for public health care expenditures. 

Responsibilities:

• Analyze proposed federal legislation, regulations, section 1115 waivers, and other executive actions related to Medicaid to inform congressional debates, respond to government policies, and support state advocate partners in work at the state level.
• Produce written materials (such as reports, blogs, talking points, comments on federal regulations and section 1115 waivers, and memos) to support advocacy efforts related to various facets of Medicaid policy, including financing, benefits, eligibility, and delivery systems. 
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with partners and stakeholders, including government officials, health advocacy organizations, state advocates, researchers, and other experts in Medicaid and health equity to advance CBPP’s policy goals.
• Produce written materials and analyses that support CBPP’s efforts to advance policies that promote health equity and racial justice and center the lives of people with lived experience of racism and discrimination, poverty, and low-paid work.
• Collaborate closely with staff on the Health team and in other CBPP departments to facilitate connections across related policy issues. 
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned to support the team’s goals.

Qualifications:

A successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in Medicaid and health policy issues for people with low incomes and a successful track record of working to affect health policy outcomes at the federal or state level. This individual will bring a mix of the following skills and experiences:

• At least seven years of experience working on policy or advocacy issues, with at least five years of experience related to Medicaid. A related graduate degree or Juris Doctor (J.D.) may be counted toward 2 years of general work experience.  
• Knowledge of the Medicaid program, including financing, benefits, eligibility, and delivery system law, regulations, and policies.  
• Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, including demonstrated experience reviewing and analyzing legislation, regulations, section 1115 waivers, and other programmatic options. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complicated policy issues to policymakers, advocates, and members of the media. 
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic guidance and technical assistance on proposed changes to Medicaid, informed by significant experience working with policymakers, advocates, and other relevant constituencies to develop policy options and achieve change. 
• Commitment to the accuracy and transparency of analytical work and an ability to use analysis to advocate for policy change. 
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a rapidly changing policy environment.  
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with internal colleagues as well as external partners and other stakeholders. 
• Deep understanding of the role that racism and discrimination play in health policy, health care affordability and access, and a commitment to advancing equity in CBPP’s health policy work. 
• Excellent ability to communicate CBPP’s policies and messages — in writing, presentations, and meetings — to partners, policymakers, and members of the media. 
• Exceptional ability to collaborate with people in an inclusive manner, internally and with external partners, to transform ideas into action and respond to multiple demands in a complex and rapidly changing policy environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic work, including coordinating with internal and external partners and stakeholders.

This position is based in Washington, D.C.. CBPP is currently operating on a hybrid work schedule of two full in-office days (Tuesday and Wednesday) per week as well as the first Thursday of each month in our Washington, D.C. office.

This position reports to the Senior Fellow and Director for Medicaid Policy.

Terms of Employment: Full-time; exempt; two-year term.

Bargaining Unit Status: This is a bargaining unit position.

Compensation: Salary for this position ranges from $95,000 to $160,000 per year. Pay is based on a number of factors including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience and internal pay equity. CBPP offers excellent benefits (including health insurance, vision and dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, MERP, and DCAP) and generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

Please upload a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please include a discussion of what draws you to CBPP’s mission.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.