The Lewin Group: A Leader in Healthcare Consulting and Policy Innovation
The Lewin Group stands as a distinguished name in the realm of healthcare and human services consulting. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, this firm has consistently delivered data-driven insights, policy research, and strategic consulting to help governments, healthcare providers, and communities address complex health challenges. As a part of OptumServe, the federal health services business of Optum and UnitedHealth Group, The Lewin Group combines research expertise with practical experience to modernize health systems, improve population health outcomes, and foster value-based payment solutions.
In this article, we explore the core strengths of The Lewin Group, its impact on key healthcare sectors, its work in New York City and state, contributions to Medicare policy via MedPAC, and highlight the leadership role of Benjamin Abramowitz in driving these initiatives forward.
The Lewin Group: Company Overview
Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, The Lewin Group operates with 201-500 employees, including hundreds of healthcare and policy experts. Its primary focus lies in consulting services that address public sector healthcare challenges, health services research, health system modernization, population health, program integrity, quality measurement, advanced analytics, and policy design.
Operating as the consulting arm of OptumServe, The Lewin Group leverages the broader resources and technological capabilities of UnitedHealth Group while maintaining a specialized focus on government health programs, including Medicaid, Medicare, and other social service domains.
Expertise and Specialties
Public Sector Healthcare and Policy Research
The Lewin Group specializes in the public sector, helping federal, state, and local governments develop evidence-based policies that improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. Its expertise includes program integrity, cost containment, and payment system reform, particularly in Medicaid and Medicare.
Health System Modernization and Value-Based Payment Systems
As healthcare moves away from fee-for-service models, The Lewin Group supports health system modernization by designing and implementing value-based payment systems. These systems incentivize providers to deliver higher-quality care while controlling costs, a vital shift in improving healthcare sustainability.
Population Health and Program Design
Addressing the broader determinants of health, The Lewin Group assists organizations in designing population health programs that tackle chronic disease management, social determinants of health, and integrated care models. Their approach often incorporates advanced analytics and outcome measurement to ensure programs meet intended goals.
The Lewin Group’s Impact in New York and New York City Healthcare
New York has been a significant region for The Lewin Group’s healthcare consulting efforts. While the firm’s headquarters is in Virginia, its reach extends nationwide, with a strong presence and active projects in New York State and New York City.
Medicaid and HIV Special Needs Plans
One prominent area of focus has been New York’s Medicaid program. The Lewin Group has conducted in-depth research on Medicaid Special Needs Plans (SNPs), particularly for individuals living with HIV. Their analysis helped the state understand the cost savings and care improvements associated with SNPs, supporting policy decisions that promote specialized, coordinated care for vulnerable populations.
Integrated Care for Children
The Group has supported integrated care models for children that combine physical, behavioral, and social services through collaboration with national bodies and New York-based agencies. These initiatives aim to improve outcomes by addressing the complex needs of children in underserved communities across New York City.
Health Care Cost Reduction Initiatives
The Lewin Group received grants to adapt national healthcare cost models to the New York context, identifying policy options such as restructuring hospital financial incentives and emphasizing primary care to reduce unnecessary spending. These efforts have been vital to New York’s ongoing health reform agenda.
MedPAC and The Lewin Group: Shaping Medicare Policy
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) advises Congress on Medicare payment policies and program improvements. The Lewin Group has been a trusted contractor for MedPAC, providing rigorous analysis and expert insights.
Hospital Charge-Setting Study
In 2005, MedPAC commissioned The Lewin Group to conduct a comprehensive study on hospital charge-setting practices. This research involved interviewing hospital CFOs nationwide and creating a relational database to analyze pricing behaviors. The results contributed to MedPAC’s recommendations on Medicare payment reforms.
Policy Advisory and Analytics
Beyond specific projects, The Lewin Group’s analytic capabilities support MedPAC’s ongoing mission to ensure Medicare’s fiscal sustainability and improve care quality. Their work informs payment system redesigns, program integrity strategies, and policy evaluation efforts.
Benjamin Abramowitz: Leadership in The Lewin Group
Benjamin Abramowitz is a Managing Director at The Lewin Group and is based in New York City. His academic background includes studies at Harvard University Graduate School of Education, equipping him with a rich understanding of policy and organizational dynamics.
Abramowitz provides strategic leadership in his role, guiding complex consulting projects that bridge policy research and practical implementation. His presence in New York signals the firm’s commitment to regional impact and collaboration with local governments and healthcare organizations.
Why The Lewin Group Stands Out
Deep Experience and Trusted Expertise
With more than five decades of experience, The Lewin Group has earned a reputation for reliable, data-driven insights and policy solutions. Their consultants combine academic rigor with real-world understanding, offering actionable recommendations.
Comprehensive Services Across the Healthcare Spectrum
The Lewin Group covers many healthcare challenges, from payment reform and program integrity to population health and integrated care. This versatility enables them to address diverse client needs, from federal agencies to state governments and community organizations.
Strong Focus on Relationships
Unlike purely technical firms, The Lewin Group emphasizes building lasting partnerships with clients, understanding their unique contexts, and co-creating sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes.
Integration with OptumServe and UnitedHealth Group
Being part of a large healthcare organization enhances The Lewin Group’s access to data, technology, and operational expertise, enriching their consulting capabilities and providing clients with comprehensive support.
Conclusion
The Lewin Group remains a critical player in shaping the future of healthcare through its specialized consulting and policy research. Its impact extends from the halls of Congress advising Medicare policy via MedPAC to hands-on initiatives improving healthcare in New York and beyond. With leaders like Benjamin Abramowitz steering its vision, the firm continues to advance healthcare modernization, cost containment, and improved population health outcomes.
For governments and organizations looking to navigate the complexities of healthcare reform, The Lewin Group offers a powerful combination of experience, innovation, and partnership, making it a trusted ally in the ongoing quest to enhance health and well-being.