Neda Ashtari, M.D., M.P.P., is the associate director of Health Policy at American Progress. A physician by training, she brings extensive experience at the intersection of health care, public policy, and advocacy.
Prior to joining American Progress, she served in the California legislature, where she played a key role in crafting legislation aimed at expanding access to care, strengthening safety net systems, and advancing innovative models of health care delivery and financing. Her policy research has focused on Medicaid reform, with particular attention to improving care for individuals experiencing homelessness and those involved in the justice system. Dr. Ashtari has also led national advocacy efforts to increase access to medicines and confront structural inequities within the health care system.
Dr. Ashtari earned her undergraduate, medical, and Master of Public Policy degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles.