Mission Statement

The mission of the National Institute for Health Care Reform is to conduct high-quality, objective research and policy analyses of the organization, financing and delivery of health care in the United States. The Institute works to identify key health policy issues, identify policy options, and assess the advantages and disadvantages of policy options to help inform policy makers and other decision makers about how to expand access to high-quality, affordable health care to all Americans.

About the Institute

The National Institute for Health Care Reform is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established by the International Union, UAW; Chrysler Group LLC; Ford Motor Company; and General Motors to conduct health policy research and analysis to improve the organization, financing and delivery of health care in the United States.

The Institute, incorporated in the state of Michigan, is governed by a six-member Board of Directors, with the UAW appointing three directors and each of the companies appointing one director. The Institute has contracted with the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC) to conduct health policy research and policy analyses, and HSC President Paul B. Ginsburg, Ph.D., serves as the Institute's research director. All research and analysis are conducted using HSC's rigorous standards for quality and objectivity.

The Institute does not take policy positions, and similar to HSC, strives to be an honest broker of information and a reliable resource for decision makers on all sides of the critical issues facing the U.S. health care system.

The Board approves the Institute's research and policy analysis agenda, delegating responsibility to HSC to conduct all research and policy analyses and publish and disseminate findings. HSC retains the right to publish all research results, and final methodological and editorial decisions ultimately reside with HSC.

About the Institute Directors

Jeffrey W. Johnson, Director Health and Welfare Programs, General Motors

Janet Kokenakes, Ford Motor Company

Susanne Mitchell, Director of the Social Security Department, International Union, UAW

Kathleen S. Neal, Director Integrated Health Care & Disability, Chrysler Group LLC – Neal was appointed to this position on March 1, 2009, and she is responsible for Chrysler Group LLC’s benefit strategy, administration and governance for the United States and Canada. She has been with Chrysler LLC for 22 years and has held a series of progressively responsible positions with the company. Previously, Neal was senior manager, Health Care Strategy and Benefit Initiatives. Prior to her health care assignments, she held various human resources leadership positions. Neal earned a master's degree in human resources administration from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Michigan. She also serves in the following capacity for two health-related organizations: Blue Cross Blue Shield Michigan – Large and Medium Groups Subscriber Director Selection Council; and Michigan Health and Safety Coalition – board member.

Eric Perkins, Director of the Strategic Research Department, International Union, UAW

Alan Reuther, Independent Consultant and former Legislative Director, International Union, UAW – Before retiring from the UAW, Reuther was responsible for supervising all aspects of the UAW's legislative program, including development of issues, presentation of testimony, lobbying Members of Congress, and grassroots activities. In addition, he was responsible for managing the UAW's Washington Office. Reuther graduated magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School in 1977. After graduating from law school, Reuther joined the UAW's Legal Department in Detroit as an assistant general counsel. In 1982, Reuther transferred to the UAW's Washington Office to handle legislative matters. He became an associate general counsel and was responsible for handling legislative matters in a variety of areas, including taxes, social security, health care, pensions and the National Labor Relations Act. On May 1, 1991, he became legislative director for the UAW.