Kate Honsberger is a Vice President of Research & Policy with over 15 years of experience shaping how some of the most complex systems impact the people who rely on them most. A recognized expert in Medicaid and healthcare access for vulnerable populations, Kate is known for her ability to make sense of complex policies and translate that knowledge into actionable insights. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to equity and systems change, particularly for populations who are too often overlooked, especially children with chronic and complex health needs. 

As Vice President of Research & Policy at Healthsperien, Kate leads high-impact projects that help organizations and policymakers navigate and influence the ever-evolving federal and state health care landscape. 

Kate’s career spans national research institutions and state government. Before joining Healthsperien, she held leadership roles at NORC at the University of Chicago and the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP), where she led groundbreaking Medicaid research, advised states, and partnered with both federal agencies and private sector stakeholders. She also brings firsthand experience from inside government, having served in Virginia’s Medicaid agency and the Governor’s office. 

Her work sits at the intersection of access, quality, and equity with the goal of making the system work better for those who face the biggest barriers. Whether she’s guiding strategic policy decisions or elevating the voices of underserved communities, Kate brings both expertise and empathy to the table. 

Kate holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Mary Washington.