Lawson Mansell
@lawsonmansell.bsky.social
Healthcare Policy for Niskanen Center
Formerly: Milken Institute, South Carolina think tanker, SC-01 staffer
Now 📍Washington, DC
lmansell@niskanencenter.org
Formerly: Milken Institute, South Carolina think tanker, SC-01 staffer
Now 📍Washington, DC
lmansell@niskanencenter.org
Pinned
Lawson Mansell
@lawsonmansell.bsky.social
· Nov 18
Hello to my new bluesky followers!
ICYMI, at @niskanencenter.bsky.social, we recently released an abundance agenda for healthcare!
The US limits the supply of doctors and facilities and incentivizes behavior that distorts the market through payment policy.🧵: www.niskanencenter.org/healthcare-a...
ICYMI, at @niskanencenter.bsky.social, we recently released an abundance agenda for healthcare!
The US limits the supply of doctors and facilities and incentivizes behavior that distorts the market through payment policy.🧵: www.niskanencenter.org/healthcare-a...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Read more from Lawson Mansell here: www.niskanencenter.org/cms-rules-si...
Shifting the balance: How CMS’s 2026 rules target higher-value care - Niskanen Center
The rule begins to rebalance reimbursements by shifting spending away from hospital-owned settings and toward primary care and other freestanding outpatient clinics.
www.niskanencenter.org
September 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Read more from Lawson Mansell here: www.niskanencenter.org/cms-rules-si...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Medicare reimburses hospitals more than freestanding clinics for the same routine procedures, so they acquire physician practices where patients could otherwise receive the same care at a lower cost.
Newly proposed rules attempt to address this.
Newly proposed rules attempt to address this.
September 11, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Medicare reimburses hospitals more than freestanding clinics for the same routine procedures, so they acquire physician practices where patients could otherwise receive the same care at a lower cost.
Newly proposed rules attempt to address this.
Newly proposed rules attempt to address this.
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Conrad 30 lets international physicians who train in the U.S. practice in underserved communities.
But last year, 330 of the program’s slots were unused. Congress should fix this.
But last year, 330 of the program’s slots were unused. Congress should fix this.
September 17, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Conrad 30 lets international physicians who train in the U.S. practice in underserved communities.
But last year, 330 of the program’s slots were unused. Congress should fix this.
But last year, 330 of the program’s slots were unused. Congress should fix this.
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Medicaid work requirements could cost the government - and taxpayers - a lot of money. Georgia found this out the hard way.
June 3, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Medicaid work requirements could cost the government - and taxpayers - a lot of money. Georgia found this out the hard way.
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
NEW: The House reconciliation bill finds healthcare savings in the wrong places.
Many Medicaid beneficiaries will unnecessarily lose coverage due to administrative burden and small, rural hospitals will be hit with higher uncompensated care costs as a result.
www.niskanencenter.org/house-reconc...
Many Medicaid beneficiaries will unnecessarily lose coverage due to administrative burden and small, rural hospitals will be hit with higher uncompensated care costs as a result.
www.niskanencenter.org/house-reconc...
House reconciliation proposal finds healthcare savings in the wrong places - Niskanen Center
The Senate can pursue fiscal restraint and mitigate impacts on care by emphasizing cost-shifting reforms that fall on states with the fiscal capacity to absorb them, better shielding vulnerable benefi...
www.niskanencenter.org
May 29, 2025 at 5:43 PM
NEW: The House reconciliation bill finds healthcare savings in the wrong places.
Many Medicaid beneficiaries will unnecessarily lose coverage due to administrative burden and small, rural hospitals will be hit with higher uncompensated care costs as a result.
www.niskanencenter.org/house-reconc...
Many Medicaid beneficiaries will unnecessarily lose coverage due to administrative burden and small, rural hospitals will be hit with higher uncompensated care costs as a result.
www.niskanencenter.org/house-reconc...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Families with private insurance can pay up to $10,000 for childbirth.
A new bill would eliminate those costs, raising annual premiums by just $30–$60.
It's a worthwhile tradeoff.
A new bill would eliminate those costs, raising annual premiums by just $30–$60.
It's a worthwhile tradeoff.
NEW: A bipartisan group of senators just released a bill to make childbirth effectively free for those on commercial insurance.
I modeled the impact on premiums, finding a likely modest increase - a worthwhile tradeoff to insulate parents from high and unpredictable costs. (🧵)
I modeled the impact on premiums, finding a likely modest increase - a worthwhile tradeoff to insulate parents from high and unpredictable costs. (🧵)
May 21, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Families with private insurance can pay up to $10,000 for childbirth.
A new bill would eliminate those costs, raising annual premiums by just $30–$60.
It's a worthwhile tradeoff.
A new bill would eliminate those costs, raising annual premiums by just $30–$60.
It's a worthwhile tradeoff.
NEW: A bipartisan group of senators just released a bill to make childbirth effectively free for those on commercial insurance.
I modeled the impact on premiums, finding a likely modest increase - a worthwhile tradeoff to insulate parents from high and unpredictable costs. (🧵)
I modeled the impact on premiums, finding a likely modest increase - a worthwhile tradeoff to insulate parents from high and unpredictable costs. (🧵)
May 21, 2025 at 6:26 PM
NEW: A bipartisan group of senators just released a bill to make childbirth effectively free for those on commercial insurance.
I modeled the impact on premiums, finding a likely modest increase - a worthwhile tradeoff to insulate parents from high and unpredictable costs. (🧵)
I modeled the impact on premiums, finding a likely modest increase - a worthwhile tradeoff to insulate parents from high and unpredictable costs. (🧵)
You're invited! Join Monica Popp, Maya MacGuineas, Brian Miller, and I at the Capitol Visitor Center on May 15th at 2pm to discuss healthcare win-wins.
We'll be diving into the federal budget and where we can find healthcare savings that also benefit patients.
RSVP here! t.co/S9u96x7jHQ
We'll be diving into the federal budget and where we can find healthcare savings that also benefit patients.
RSVP here! t.co/S9u96x7jHQ
May 8, 2025 at 3:30 PM
You're invited! Join Monica Popp, Maya MacGuineas, Brian Miller, and I at the Capitol Visitor Center on May 15th at 2pm to discuss healthcare win-wins.
We'll be diving into the federal budget and where we can find healthcare savings that also benefit patients.
RSVP here! t.co/S9u96x7jHQ
We'll be diving into the federal budget and where we can find healthcare savings that also benefit patients.
RSVP here! t.co/S9u96x7jHQ
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Will Raderman and @lawsonmansell.bsky.social have done a ton of research on why this is the case and how to fix it.
Dive in here: www.niskanencenter.org/stuck-in-the...
Dive in here: www.niskanencenter.org/stuck-in-the...
Stuck in the fax age: SSA’s record retrieval process needs a digital overhaul - Niskanen Center
To successfully modernize, the agency must first confront long-standing technical obstacles that have impeded progress.
www.niskanencenter.org
April 15, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Will Raderman and @lawsonmansell.bsky.social have done a ton of research on why this is the case and how to fix it.
Dive in here: www.niskanencenter.org/stuck-in-the...
Dive in here: www.niskanencenter.org/stuck-in-the...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Today, we talked about a powerful solution to America’s physician shortage: removing unnecessary barriers to practice for internationally trained physicians.
Thanks to our panelists and everyone who came out!
Thanks to our panelists and everyone who came out!
April 9, 2025 at 8:51 PM
Today, we talked about a powerful solution to America’s physician shortage: removing unnecessary barriers to practice for internationally trained physicians.
Thanks to our panelists and everyone who came out!
Thanks to our panelists and everyone who came out!
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
In addition to better transparency (and adequate coverage), I'd argue the underlying supply needs to be improved as well. @lawsonmansell.bsky.social has written on this extensively and argues this is fundamental to other improvements: www.niskanencenter.org/healthcare-a...
Healthcare abundance: An agenda to strengthen healthcare supply - Niskanen Center
There’s a fundamental imbalance between the ever-rising demand for patient care and our ability to supply it. And it’s at the heart of our nation’s healthcare crisis.
www.niskanencenter.org
March 27, 2025 at 10:02 PM
In addition to better transparency (and adequate coverage), I'd argue the underlying supply needs to be improved as well. @lawsonmansell.bsky.social has written on this extensively and argues this is fundamental to other improvements: www.niskanencenter.org/healthcare-a...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
If we want healthcare abundance, we need better pathways to allow internationally trained physicians to practice in the US, say @lawsonmansell.bsky.social and Cecilia Esterline of @niskanencenter.bsky.social Despite some progress more reforms are needed. www.niskanencenter.org/unlocking-po...
Unlocking potential: How states can remove barriers for internationally trained physicians - Niskanen Center
This paper will explore the causes of our current shortage, the barriers facing IMGs, and how to better integrate qualified internationally trained physicians into the American workforce.
www.niskanencenter.org
March 24, 2025 at 6:43 PM
If we want healthcare abundance, we need better pathways to allow internationally trained physicians to practice in the US, say @lawsonmansell.bsky.social and Cecilia Esterline of @niskanencenter.bsky.social Despite some progress more reforms are needed. www.niskanencenter.org/unlocking-po...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Fact check: Social Security has been under a hiring freeze & had overtime restrictions for months.
This isn't DOGE saving money. It's Congress not being able to pass a budget. And it accounts for over 2/3 of the "savings" the acting commissioner claimed today.
www.govexec.com/management/2...
This isn't DOGE saving money. It's Congress not being able to pass a budget. And it accounts for over 2/3 of the "savings" the acting commissioner claimed today.
www.govexec.com/management/2...
March 3, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Fact check: Social Security has been under a hiring freeze & had overtime restrictions for months.
This isn't DOGE saving money. It's Congress not being able to pass a budget. And it accounts for over 2/3 of the "savings" the acting commissioner claimed today.
www.govexec.com/management/2...
This isn't DOGE saving money. It's Congress not being able to pass a budget. And it accounts for over 2/3 of the "savings" the acting commissioner claimed today.
www.govexec.com/management/2...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Nearly 40% of the state’s physicians practice in the greater Boston area.
And yet, Bostonians have to wait 40+ days to see a primary care physician.
We whole-heartedly applaud this new licensing pathway.
And yet, Bostonians have to wait 40+ days to see a primary care physician.
We whole-heartedly applaud this new licensing pathway.
NEW: Earlier this year, Massachusetts became the 9th state to create an alternative, permanent licensing pathway for internationally-trained physicians.
Eric Lu explains how this innovative approach will address the primary care physician shortage: www.niskanencenter.org/massachusett...
Eric Lu explains how this innovative approach will address the primary care physician shortage: www.niskanencenter.org/massachusett...
Massachusetts creates permanent licensing pathway for internationally-trained physicians - Niskanen Center
Foreign-trained physicians will soon have a new full licensing pathway in Massachusetts, thanks to a recent law aimed at addressing the state’s healthcare workforce shortage.
www.niskanencenter.org
March 3, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Nearly 40% of the state’s physicians practice in the greater Boston area.
And yet, Bostonians have to wait 40+ days to see a primary care physician.
We whole-heartedly applaud this new licensing pathway.
And yet, Bostonians have to wait 40+ days to see a primary care physician.
We whole-heartedly applaud this new licensing pathway.
NEW: Earlier this year, Massachusetts became the 9th state to create an alternative, permanent licensing pathway for internationally-trained physicians.
Eric Lu explains how this innovative approach will address the primary care physician shortage: www.niskanencenter.org/massachusett...
Eric Lu explains how this innovative approach will address the primary care physician shortage: www.niskanencenter.org/massachusett...
Massachusetts creates permanent licensing pathway for internationally-trained physicians - Niskanen Center
Foreign-trained physicians will soon have a new full licensing pathway in Massachusetts, thanks to a recent law aimed at addressing the state’s healthcare workforce shortage.
www.niskanencenter.org
March 3, 2025 at 5:48 PM
NEW: Earlier this year, Massachusetts became the 9th state to create an alternative, permanent licensing pathway for internationally-trained physicians.
Eric Lu explains how this innovative approach will address the primary care physician shortage: www.niskanencenter.org/massachusett...
Eric Lu explains how this innovative approach will address the primary care physician shortage: www.niskanencenter.org/massachusett...
Brutal top of this story on Georgia’s Medicaid program with work requirements:
www.propublica.org/article/geor...
www.propublica.org/article/geor...
February 21, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Brutal top of this story on Georgia’s Medicaid program with work requirements:
www.propublica.org/article/geor...
www.propublica.org/article/geor...
Addressing the physician shortage will require state efforts like Washington's SB 5185, where qualified international medical graduates can earn full licensure without getting caught in the residency bottleneck.
You can read my testimony from Friday here: www.niskanencenter.org/testimony-cr...
You can read my testimony from Friday here: www.niskanencenter.org/testimony-cr...
February 3, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Addressing the physician shortage will require state efforts like Washington's SB 5185, where qualified international medical graduates can earn full licensure without getting caught in the residency bottleneck.
You can read my testimony from Friday here: www.niskanencenter.org/testimony-cr...
You can read my testimony from Friday here: www.niskanencenter.org/testimony-cr...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
🚨 Today, @lawsonmansell.bsky.social is testifying before the WA Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee in support of SB 5185.
This bill would create a full license pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs).
This bill would create a full license pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs).
January 31, 2025 at 4:18 PM
🚨 Today, @lawsonmansell.bsky.social is testifying before the WA Senate Health & Long-Term Care Committee in support of SB 5185.
This bill would create a full license pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs).
This bill would create a full license pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs).
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Anything to address America's doctor crisis is a step forward.
But instead of one-off increases, Congress should fully modernize how we fund physician training to match supply with demand.
But instead of one-off increases, Congress should fully modernize how we fund physician training to match supply with demand.
NEW: A group of Senators have offered fixes to how Medicare funds residencies, including 5,000 additional slots.
The proposal is an important step to address the doctor shortage, but more structural reforms are needed.
From Jared Rhoads and I for @niskanencenter.bsky.social:
The proposal is an important step to address the doctor shortage, but more structural reforms are needed.
From Jared Rhoads and I for @niskanencenter.bsky.social:
January 29, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Anything to address America's doctor crisis is a step forward.
But instead of one-off increases, Congress should fully modernize how we fund physician training to match supply with demand.
But instead of one-off increases, Congress should fully modernize how we fund physician training to match supply with demand.
NEW: A group of Senators have offered fixes to how Medicare funds residencies, including 5,000 additional slots.
The proposal is an important step to address the doctor shortage, but more structural reforms are needed.
From Jared Rhoads and I for @niskanencenter.bsky.social:
The proposal is an important step to address the doctor shortage, but more structural reforms are needed.
From Jared Rhoads and I for @niskanencenter.bsky.social:
January 29, 2025 at 3:19 PM
NEW: A group of Senators have offered fixes to how Medicare funds residencies, including 5,000 additional slots.
The proposal is an important step to address the doctor shortage, but more structural reforms are needed.
From Jared Rhoads and I for @niskanencenter.bsky.social:
The proposal is an important step to address the doctor shortage, but more structural reforms are needed.
From Jared Rhoads and I for @niskanencenter.bsky.social:
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Science-based discussion about potential implications of cutting #Medicaid from the @tradeoffs.org team. Evidence suggests physical health may not be impacted but financial and mental health ⬇️.
Might reduce overspending
⬇️ #healthcare costs. Excellent reporting. pca.st/episode/3c93... #healthpolicy
Might reduce overspending
⬇️ #healthcare costs. Excellent reporting. pca.st/episode/3c93... #healthpolicy
Why Many Republicans Think Shrinking Medicaid Will Make it Better - Tradeoffs
Tradeoffs is an award-winning nonprofit news organization on a mission to help the folks on Main Street, Wall Street and Capitol Hill have smarter, more honest conversations about health policy. Found...
pca.st
January 28, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Science-based discussion about potential implications of cutting #Medicaid from the @tradeoffs.org team. Evidence suggests physical health may not be impacted but financial and mental health ⬇️.
Might reduce overspending
⬇️ #healthcare costs. Excellent reporting. pca.st/episode/3c93... #healthpolicy
Might reduce overspending
⬇️ #healthcare costs. Excellent reporting. pca.st/episode/3c93... #healthpolicy
"Medicare pays more for services provided in outpatient centers at hospitals than the very same services provided by physicians. As the Niskanen Center's Lawson Mansell has written, switching to so-called “site-neutral” payments could save $126.8B over [10 years]." www.deseret.com/opinion/2025...
Perspective: How the GOP can deliver on Trump's most important campaign promises
Amid competing priorities, Republicans need to focus, with the help of the White House.
www.deseret.com
January 27, 2025 at 8:13 PM
"Medicare pays more for services provided in outpatient centers at hospitals than the very same services provided by physicians. As the Niskanen Center's Lawson Mansell has written, switching to so-called “site-neutral” payments could save $126.8B over [10 years]." www.deseret.com/opinion/2025...
Reposted by Lawson Mansell
Outdated policies limiting the number of doctors the U.S. can produce threaten the lives of Americans - especially rural Americans.
"Swift and substantial GME reform is urgently needed."
Excellent piece from former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and Nicole McCann that cites a @niskanencenter.bsky.social
report highlighting residency as the primary bottleneck in physician supply: www.statnews.com/2025/01/15/p...
Excellent piece from former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky and Nicole McCann that cites a @niskanencenter.bsky.social
report highlighting residency as the primary bottleneck in physician supply: www.statnews.com/2025/01/15/p...
The first step to addressing the physician shortage
By 2037, the U.S. may be short 187,000 doctors. Nicole C. McCann and Rochelle P. Walensky propose one way to start addressing this looming threat.
www.statnews.com
January 16, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Outdated policies limiting the number of doctors the U.S. can produce threaten the lives of Americans - especially rural Americans.