Heidi Allen

Heidi Allen is a leading researcher who studies how health and social policies affect the well-being of low-income families. As a clinical practitioner, she saw firsthand the major differences in health outcomes among her patients, which inspired her to focus on using research to inform policy and reduce these health gaps. She was a key investigator in the landmark Oregon Health Insurance Experiment, a large-scale study that was the first of its kind to show the real-world effects of a Medicaid health insurance expansion. Her findings from this and other studies provide crucial evidence for policymakers. Heidi is currently a professor at the Columbia School of Social Work, where she teaches courses on health policy. Her recent work focuses on the effects of different government programs on health, financial stability, and social support for vulnerable populations. She is a dedicated advocate who uses her expertise to show how access to healthcare can have a lasting positive impact on people’s lives.