Neda Ashtari is an associate director of Health Policy at American Progress. A physician by training, she brings experience at the intersection of health care, public policy, and advocacy. Ashtari earned her undergraduate, Master of Public Policy, and medical degrees at the University of California, Los Angeles. Before joining American Progress, she worked in the California Legislature, where she helped shape legislation to improve access to care, strengthen safety net systems, and promote innovative approaches to health care delivery and financing. She has also conducted policy research on Medicaid reform, with a focus on improving care for people experiencing homelessness and individuals involved in the justice system. In addition, she has engaged in national advocacy to expand access to medicines and address structural inequities in health care.