Policy Associate, Medicare Value-Based Care (Remote Eligible) Mathematica, Inc. $57,000.00 - $65,000.00 / yr United States, Illinois, Chicago 111 East Wacker Drive (Show on map) Aug 26, 2026

About Mathematica:

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company's growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: Benefits at a Glance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

Mathematica seeks a passionate, early career Policy Associate to join our Medicare Value-Based Care team. Mathematica partners with federal agencies to test innovative policies and initiatives intended to improve the delivery of high-quality Medicare services while controlling healthcare costs. Teams within this portfolio facilitate Medicare incentive payments to encourage high-quality care; technical support for Medicare providers and physicians; and research to drive improvements to value-based care practice. As a part of a project team, the Associate will support a range of project activities including client support and consulting, program implementation, stakeholder training, and research. Ideal candidates are self-motivated; highly organized and detail-oriented; strong writers and oral communicators; passionate about learning new skills and topics; comfortable with ambiguity; collaborative; and creative problem-solvers. Mathematica is invested in staff career growth across all levels. The role will include opportunities to develop healthcare policy subject matter knowledge, research and consulting skills, and receive mentorship and coaching from leading industry experts.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist managing projects and tasks to ensure alignment with Medicare policy timelines and priorities. This may include developing schedules and monitoring deadlines; maintaining team process documentation; and supporting meeting planning, from scheduling to drafting summaries for internal teams and clients. Coordinate and support tasks that seek to educate health care stakeholders, such as hospitals and providers, on value-based care policy requirements and best practices by overseeing logistics for webinars and managing stakeholder communications. Support the development and maintenance of technical specifications, user manuals, and standard operating procedures that support the implementation of health care innovations in the Medicare program. Draft written materials including emails, newsletter blurbs, and slide decks that align with Mathematica's reputation for rigor and objectivity. Contribute to collection and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data, such as by supporting focus group facilitation or analysis of Medicare claims data. Additional duties depending on project placement.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in the social sciences, public policy, humanities, or health-related field, and 0 - 3 years of work experience. Highly motivated, detail-oriented, and self-directed, with strong interpersonal skills. Strong management, coordination, and organizational skills, especially an ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong problem-solving abilities. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Exposure to qualitative and/or quantitative research methods. Interest in Medicare, health policy, value-based care, or government consulting.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a resume and a brief writing sample. You will be asked to attach these materials during the online application process. This position offers an anticipated base salary of $57,000-$65,000 annually. Currently, Mathematica's largest client is Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Most staff working on CMS contracts will be required to complete a successful background investigation including the Questionnaire for Public Trust Position SF-85. Staff that are unable to successfully undergo the background investigation will need to be able to obtain work outside CMS. Staff will work with their supervisor to get re-staffed; however, if they are unable to do so, it may result in employment termination due to lack of work. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you're not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it's an option in your area. Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in or complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment. We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work.