Heather Saunders is a senior research manager with KFF’s Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured. Her work primarily focuses on mental health and substance use policy, covering key areas such as the delivery of crisis care, treatment of opioid use disorders, and efforts to address the behavioral health workforce shortages. Prior to joining KFF, she participated in evaluations for Virginia Medicaid programs, using quantitative and qualitative research methods.

She received her Master of Social Work degree and served clients in hospital, school and outpatient settings. She also managed behavioral randomized controlled trials in medical settings.

Dr. Saunders received her doctorate in health care policy and research from Virginia Commonwealth University.