Joseph Benitez

Joseph Benitez is an Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky's Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, with a research focus on Medicaid policy, health equity, and safety net programs during economic crises.

Education: PhD in Health Policy from University of Illinois Chicago (2015), MPH from University of Kentucky (2007).

Research Focus: Examines Medicaid's effectiveness as a safety net during economic downturns, health insurance disparities, and policy impacts on vulnerable populations. Current projects include NSF-funded studies on COVID-19 coverage gaps and Medicaid unwinding effects.

Publication Trends: Research addresses Medicaid enrollment patterns during recessions, racial disparities in healthcare access, and ACA implementation effects, with publications in JAMA Health Forum and Health Affairs.

Grants and Affiliations: Holds multiple grants from RWJF and NIHCM. Affiliated with UK's Center for Health Equity Transformation and Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies.