Adam Block, Ph.D.
Adam Block, Ph.D., is an experienced, applied health economist with deep experience in digital health, consumer choice, insurance benefits and regulation, and health care costs. He has worked as an expert witness testifying in cases across the United States and has spoken internationally on health economic issues and consumer choice. Dr. Block's research focuses on evaluation of telehealth programs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, price transparency, cost sharing, plus supporting all of his doctoral students’ research interests.
Dr. Block began his career as an economist for the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation where he helped draft sections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He then was the Division Director for Health Plan Policy at CMS writing regulations on the ACA. Subsequently, Dr. Block held key positions at a large health plan and large provider system/accountable care organization using business analytics to improve quality outcomes and provider performance.
Areas of Expertise
- Evaluation of telehealth programs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Price transparency
- Cost sharing
Education
- B.A., Neuroscience, Amherst College
- Ph.D., Health Economics, Harvard University
Honors and Awards
- Modern Healthcare, “AHIP rebrand reflects shifting insurance business” June 1, 2021, Reporter Nona Tepper
- Modern Healthcare “CVS to provide mental healthcare in retail stores, advancing vertical integration” May 3, 2021 Reporter Nona Tepper
- Westchester County Business Journal, “Hospitals are now required to post prices, but the warn the list is not what you’ll pay,” January 12, 2019, Reporter Ryan Deffenbaugh
Recent Publications
- Adam E. Block, “Trouble in Paradise: The Financial Woes of Three New York City Startup Health Plans;” Academy Health: National Health Policy Conference: Invited Poster Presentation, Feb 5, 2018.
- Adam E. Block, Michael Cohen, Aree Bly and Michael Adelberg ”The Potential Premium Impact Of An Essential Health Benefits Benchmark Change In Four States,” Health Affairs Blog January 4, 2018.
- Adam E. Block “Opinion: Trump’s executive order will have limited impact on insurance market,” Managed Healthcare Executive. October 25, 2017.
- Joel Ario, Adam E. Block and Ian Spatz, “Premium Rate Variation In Exchanges Is An Eye Opener,” Health Affairs Blog. August 7, 2013.
- Adam E. Block and Douglas M. Norton, “Nurse Labor Effects of Residency Work Hours Limits,” Nursing Economics. 26(6), February, 2009, pp. 368-373.
- Adam E. Block, et al, “Patient and Physician Predictors of Post-Fracture Osteoporosis Management,” Journal of General Internal Medicine. 23(9) September, 2008, pp. 1447-1451.
- Adam E. Block, “Costs and Benefits of Increased Drug Use Due to Direct-To-Consumer Advertising: The Case of Depression”, Pharmacoeconomics. 25(6), June, 2007, pp. 511-521.
Publications
Professional Service
- School Board Member in Port Washington, New York
- Author of Free Children’s Book on COVID-19
- Peer reviewer for: JAMA Internal Medicine, American Journal of Managed Care, American Journal of Accountable Care
Teaching Responsibilities
- Health Economics
- U.S. Markets and Regulatory Policy
- Health Economics and Finance
