Health Policy Intern

McDermott+ (McDermottPlus) is a Washington DC-based healthcare consulting and data analytics firm, serving a wide range of clients including life science companies, health systems, physician groups, health plans, and other healthcare clients.

With us, you’ll find:

• A Firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself!

• Enthusiasm for diverse perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive.

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental and financial health, with an emphasis on work/life balance.  

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence. 

Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Health Policy Intern will work with all members of the McDermott+ team to support the development of policy insights, identify policy alternatives, analyze and frame challenges, and advance business solutions for clients. The Health Policy Intern will have the opportunity to delve into a variety of projects to track legislative and regulatory developments, support Medicare and Medicaid payment policy and coding developments, and gain valuable knowledge of key issues within the nation’s health care system.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Attend and summarize Congressional hearings, MedPAC, MACPAC, and policy stakeholder meetings

• Track key federal and state health care legislative initiatives and policy developments

• Develop fact sheets, testimony transcripts, infographics, and other materials for clients and public distribution

• Conduct research on various topics, as assigned (including on health policy topics like Medicaid waivers, legislative activity, etc.)

• Provide timely written updates of breaking legislation and pressing issues

• Collect relevant health care data to assist team member projects

• Learn about the health care policy process in Washington and how policy reforms impact the health care market

• Assist with market access and data projects

Job Specifications:

• Must be a candidate for a Masters of Public Health, Masters of Public Policy, or Masters in Health Administration.

• Candidates must have an interest in health policy.

• Experience with data analytics preferred but not required.

• Candidates should be able to dedicate at least 24 hours per week for the duration of the internship.

• Strong written and oral communications skills are imperative.

• Candidates should demonstrate initiative, be highly organized, be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and be attentive to detail.

Scheduling and Details:

• Program hours are M-F 9:00-5:00 PM

• Candidates will be asked about availability as part of the screening process – nonnegotiable availability for Monday morning and 9:00-5:00 Tues-Thurs

• Monday and Friday offer more flexibility and will be partial days, with hours mutually agreed upon as determined by the business

• Program starts late August 2026 and ends late December 2026

Target Hiring Range $20 - $25/hour

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.