Agata Pelka supports clients in navigating federal and state healthcare policy, with particular expertise in commercial health insurance coverage, Medicaid, prescription drug affordability, benefit design, and patient access. She brings more than a decade of experience across federal agencies and patient advocacy organizations, helping stakeholders translate complex legislative and regulatory developments into practical policy and business strategies. Her experience spans the Affordable Care Act, Essential Health Benefits, Section 1557 nondiscrimination protections, Medicaid waivers and financing, pharmacy benefit manager reform, and state prescription drug affordability initiatives. Prior to joining Avalere, Agata led state government affairs at the Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition. She previously held policy roles at the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights, the Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. She advised federal leaders and state regulators on commercial insurance market policy and helped develop national standards governing Qualified Health Plans and Essential Health Benefits. Earlier in her career, she held legal and policy positions at several national healthcare and civil rights organizations. Agata has a JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law and a BS in business administration from the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.