Larry Atkins, PhD

Dr. Atkins brings over 40 years of unparalleled expertise in health and social policy analysis, development, and legislative representation across local, state, and federal levels. As Chief Policy Officer at the National Partnership for Hospice Innovation (NPHI), he leads policy development, regulatory affairs, and advocacy efforts, guiding the organization’s strategic vision.

Dr. Atkins previously served as Executive Director for both the Long-Term Quality Alliance (LTQA) and the National Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Health Plan Association. In 2013, he was the Staff Director for the Federal Commission on Long-Term Care, where he provided critical leadership on national long-term care policy. His corporate experience includes serving as Head of U.S. Public Policy at Merck, directing Public Policy at Schering-Plough Corporation, and founding Health Policy Analysts, Inc., a consultancy specializing in pharmaceutical, health benefits, and healthcare reimbursement issues.

Dr. Atkins has held influential roles throughout his career, including Executive Director of the Corporate Health Care Coalition—a collaboration of Fortune 100 companies focused on health reform—and leading a health and benefits policy practice at the Washington office of Winthrop, Stimson, Putnam & Roberts. During the 1990s, he contributed to Social Security policy as a member of two quadrennial advisory commissions and the Technical Panel, helping shape the nation’s retirement income and health frameworks.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Atkins was instrumental in shaping health policy as professional staff and later Deputy Staff Director and Republican Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging under Chairman John Heinz (R-PA). He also advised Senator Heinz on the Senate Finance Committee, focusing on health and retirement income policy, and contributed to the 1983 National Commission on Social Security Reform. Before his federal service, Dr. Atkins worked on health and human services policy at state and local levels.

A founding member and immediate past President of the National Academy of Social Insurance, Dr. Atkins continues to be a thought leader in social policy. He earned his Ph.D. from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, where he currently serves on the Board of Advisors. Dr. Atkins also holds Master’s degrees from the University of Louisville and the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor’s degree from Kenyon College.

Dr. Atkins’ extensive leadership in public policy, advocacy, and organizational strategy reflects his commitment to advancing innovation and improving health outcomes.