Dr. Wendy Osefo to appear at Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference
3 years ago
United States David Merritt is a distinguished leader in health policy and advocacy, with a career spanning nearly two decades in Washington D.C., currently serving as Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
David Merritt is senior vice president of external affairs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a national federation of independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.
He leads AHIP's communications and coalitions, advocacy and strategy on issues ranging from Medicare and Medicaid to health policy, value, and prescription drug policy.
He joins AHIP from Luntz Global Partners where he served as Managing Director and led the firm’s healthcare, political, and policy work.
Previously, he was Partner and Managing Director at Leavitt Partners.
He also serves as president of the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future.
He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing.
David Merritt began his career with a strong academic foundation, earning his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in political science and government from Loyola University Chicago. His early professional experiences included significant roles in political and messaging research for Frank Luntz, which provided him with insights into public opinion and strategic communication. Merritt also worked closely with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on health care issues, contributing to presidential campaigns as a health policy adviser for Senator John McCain and former Senator Fred Thompson during the 2008 election cycle. These roles established his expertise in navigating complex political landscapes and policy development within the healthcare sector.
Merritt’s career progression highlights his consistent focus on health policy and public affairs. He served as Partner and Managing Director at Leavitt Partners, where he was responsible for leading their Washington office. Later, he joined America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, leading communications and advocacy efforts across various health policy areas, including Medicare, Medicaid, and prescription drug policy. In this capacity, he also served as president of the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future and on the Board of Directors for the Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing.
In October 2022, Merritt was appointed Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). In this leadership role, he oversees the organization’s state and federal advocacy, including lobbying, political affairs, legislative and regulatory development, and strategic partnerships. He leads a team of over 50 professionals in the Washington office, driving policy solutions aimed at enhancing the affordability and accessibility of quality health care for the one in three Americans covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield companies. His extensive experience ensures the continued development and implementation of effective health care policies.
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