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NORC at the University Chicago

Ashley Palmer

Pronouns: She/Her

Senior Research Scientist
Health Care Programs
Ashley focuses on understanding and evaluating Medicaid initiatives and policies through research, evaluation and policy analysis.

Ashley is a policy analyst and researcher whose work focuses on Medicaid, behavioral health, health systems financing and delivery system reform, health equity, maternal and child health and the promotion of person-centered models of health care delivery. Her work has included technical assistance to state Medicaid agencies, evaluation of Medicaid financing and behavioral health initiatives, and policy analysis on behalf of clients like CMS, ASPE, and MACPAC. 

Prior to joining NORC, Ashley was a senior research leader at IBM Watson Health where she led evaluation and policy analysis activities related to Medicaid and behavioral health. Prior to that, she was a Research Associate at Urban Institute, where her work focused on Medicaid managed care program evolution and implementation as well as maternity care. 

Ashley’s work has been featured in published journals, trade associations, and Reports to Congress; it has also been presented before state legislatures and other state policymaking bodies. 

Ashley earned a doctorate in Public Policy from the George Washington University, where she also earned her Master’s degree. Her dissertation focused on the integration of behavioral health and primary care services in Medicaid.