The Center on Health Insurance Reforms
Center on Health Insurance Reforms (CHIR)
Advancing evidence-based policy solutions that improve the U.S. health system so everyone can get the coverage and care they need at a price they can afford.
A nationally recognized research center at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy dedicated to improving health insurance and health care access across the country.
Visit CHIR →
The Health Insurance Challenge
The U.S. health system faces significant barriers to ensuring everyone can access affordable coverage and care:
Even with insurance, many people struggle to find available providers, navigate complex systems, afford services, or feel comfortable seeking care. The gap between having coverage and getting care remains a critical policy challenge.
Complex federal and state rules often determine how health insurance works—or too often doesn't work—for consumers and patients. CHIR works to untangle these regulations and advance solutions that make the system work better for everyone.
How CHIR Creates Change
CHIR brings real-world research, timely policy analysis, and practical advice to state and federal policymakers who are working to improve health insurance for everyone.
Our distinctive approach combines:
🔬 Evidence-Based Research
Rigorous analysis of policy solutions backed by data and real-world outcomes
🏛️ Policy Expertise
Technical assistance to federal and state officials navigating complex regulations
👥 Consumer Focus
Centering patient and consumer experiences in all our written products and events
📢 Public Education
CHIRblog and resources help untangle the arcane world of insurance regulation
What makes CHIR different:
- Team of nationally recognized experts on private health insurance and health reform
- Balanced, nonpartisan approach to policy analysis and recommendations
- Direct technical support to government officials and stakeholder organizations
- Frequent testimony before U.S. Congress and media appearances on emerging issues
- Dozens of published papers on health insurance and health care market regulation
Key Research Areas
Costs and Competition
Policy solutions to restrain health care cost growth and improve affordability
Learn More →Health Insurance Coverage
Studying federal and state rules that determine how coverage works for consumers
Explore →From Coverage to Care
Identifying barriers between people and the health care services they need
Learn More →Medical Debt
Protecting patients from medical debt and its negative downstream consequences
Explore →Medicare Policy Initiative
Improving Medicare coverage, reducing costs, and providing meaningful choices
Visit MPI →ACA and Marketplaces
Tracking Affordable Care Act implementation and marketplace policy changes
Learn More →Current Priority Issues:
- Premium Tax Credits: Analyzing impacts of federal subsidy policies on marketplace affordability
- Health Care Corporatization: Examining how consolidation and private equity affect costs and access
- Surprise Medical Bills: Providing technical assistance on consumer protection implementation
- State Innovation: Supporting states in designing programs to improve coverage and affordability
- Diabetes Coverage: Researching insulin access and affordability across insurance types
Resources and Impact
Key Resources:
- CHIRblog: Regular analysis of federal and state health policy developments affecting real people and families
- Navigator Resource Guide: Practical, hands-on resource for communicating with consumers about the ACA
- State Technical Assistance: Strategic expertise for officials and consumer organizations on changing regulations
- Policy Publications: Issue briefs, white papers, and fact sheets for policymakers and stakeholders
- Congressional Testimony: Expert input on emerging health care issues and legislative proposals
Major Funders and Partners:
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- Arnold Ventures
- The Commonwealth Fund
- The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
- State Health and Value Strategies (Princeton University)
- American Diabetes Association
- Community Catalyst
About the Organization
🏛️ Affiliation
Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy
📍 Location
Washington, D.C.
🎓 School Ranking
#10 Public Policy Analysis (U.S. News)
🌐 Website
Leadership:
- Sabrina Corlette, J.D. — Research Professor, Founder and Co-Director
- Kevin Lucia, J.D., M.H.P. — Research Professor and Co-Director
- JoAnn Volk, M.A. — Research Professor
- Justin Giovannelli, J.D., M.P.P. — Associate Research Professor
- Carrie Graham, Ph.D. — Director, Medicare Policy Initiative
Research Faculty:
- Maanasa Kona, J.D., LL.M. — Associate Research Professor
- Christine Monahan, J.D. — Assistant Research Professor
- Stacey Pogue, MPAff — Senior Research Fellow
- Linda Blumberg, Ph.D. — Research Professor
- Karen Davenport — Research Fellow
Areas of Expertise:
- Private health insurance regulation (state and federal)
- Affordable Care Act implementation and marketplaces
- Medicare and Medicare Advantage policy
- Health care cost containment and transparency
- Consumer protection and patient rights
- Medical debt and financial security
