JHF Remembers Dr. Stuart Altman

Dr. Altman’s relationship with JHF spanned many years and reflected shared values of evidence-based reform, ethical leadership, and a commitment to improving health policy and economics. His counsel strengthened the Foundation's efforts, and his presence enriched its mission. Remembered as a “measured reformer,” he brought to JHF’s work the same thoughtful analysis, moral clarity, and collegial spirit that defined his national career.

“He has been a big part of my life and a wonderful friend. I failed to take Stuart’s popular ‘Introduction to Labor Economics’ class at Brown University because it was at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. However, I later got to enjoy Stuart as my Dean, mentor, and dear friend,” JHF President and CEO Dr. Karen Wolk Feinstein said. “In terms of the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, he opened many doors for us, and we owe a lot of our successes to him.”

A nationally respected health economist, Dr. Altman was the Sol C. Chaikin Professor of National Health Policy, Emeritus, at Brandeis University. Over the course of an extraordinary career, he advised five U.S. presidential administrations, as well as congressional leaders, governors, and state officials, helping to shape health policy with rigor, integrity, and a deep commitment to the public good.

At Brandeis, Dr. Altman’s leadership was equally profound. He served as Interim President, Dean of the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, and Founder and Co-Director of the Schneider Institutes for Health Policy and Research. Above all, he was a beloved teacher and mentor. For more than five decades, he shaped generations of students through his intellect, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of policy to improve lives.

Those who worked alongside him, and learned from him, remember Dr. Altman as both brilliant and deeply human.

“Stuart’s physical presence may not have dwarfed many, but his intellectual stature, data-driven stats, and sartorial and humorous eloquence towered over his peers, staff, and students. It also informed, entertained, and empowered the nation’s policymakers, providers, plans, and the press as it improved health care and access to tens of millions of Americans. While I did not always agree with my dear friend of over 35 years, there was never anything for which we could not disagree over agreeably, particularly over a glass of his chosen wine. Stuart was a happy warrior for whatever cause he chose and all of us blessed to have known him will forever be grateful to have crossed this gifted gentle-man’s path,” shared Chris Jennings, former senior healthcare policy advisor to Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

“Stuart Altman's massive contributions to health policy at the national and state level were only exceeded by the depth of his character, his wit, wisdom and generosity. One of the greatest pleasures of my life was to work with and for him,” said Michael Doonan, PhD, MPA, professor and Associate Dean of Academics at the Heller Graduate School at Brandeis University. “Like so many he mentored, I am a better teacher, analyst and person because of him. He will be greatly missed and forever admired and appreciated.”

“Stuart was a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm for improving health care through better policymaking. His formidable intellect was balanced by a playful sense of humor and an infectious laugh, often used to ease difficult conversations. Stuart and I were founding members of the Massachusetts Health Policy Commission, serving as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. His steadfast belief that collaboration could lower health care costs enabled the Commission to launch a number of highly innovative programs that have proven successful over the years. Stuart’s ability to speak directly about how costs could be reduced was refreshing and consistently moved discussions forward. Beyond our professional work, Stuart was a treasured friend, always at my side—figuratively and literally. He will be missed in countless ways” said Wendy Everett, ScD, who serves as vice president of advisory services at Avalere Health and senior advisor to other national health policy organizations.

Drew Altman, PhD, Founding President and CEO, KFF and Executive Publisher, KFF Health News, shared memories that captured both Dr. Altman’s humility and his courage as a leader.

“Many decades ago, we formed the Brandeis/BU/MIT Health Policy Consortium. I was at MIT and that’s how I met Stuart, the new Heller School Dean and Consortium Executive Director, crawling across a table with a rag and can of Pledge, so it looked okay for our inaugural meeting, laughing at himself. Fifteen years later, I watched him tell a President the truth about his health reform plan that he needed to but didn’t really want to hear. Many years later I greeted him at my parents' memorial services,” Dr. Drew Altman said. “He was the most respected and influential mensch in the history of health policy.”

JHF extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Altman’s family, colleagues, students, and the many people across the country who were touched by his leadership and friendship. His legacy will continue to guide the work of those committed to strengthening health policy and improving lives.

Read a profile; and from The Boston Globe: “Stuart Altman, former Brandeis president and health care expert, dies at 88.”