Leighton Ku, PhD, MPH, is a Professor of Health Policy at George Washington University and Director of its Center for Health Policy Research. He is a nationally known expert on Medicaid policy and access to care for vulnerable populations. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and 200 policy and research briefs on health policy topics. He has testified before Congress and many state legislatures and worked with federal and state agencies and non-governmental organizations to improve health care for the needy. Prior to coming to George Washington University he was on the staff of the Urban Institute and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. He helped found and continues to serve on the Executive Board for the District of Columbia's Health Benefits Exchange Authority.