Linda Rouse O’Neill Joins Applied Policy as Health Policy VP

Applied Policy has appointed Linda Rouse O’Neill as vice president of Health Policy specializing in medical device coverage, coding and reimbursement. O’Neill brings in-depth understanding of regulatory and legislative issues affecting the healthcare sector, informed by more than 30 years of experience in government affairs and healthcare policy.

Before joining Applied Policy, O’Neill spent 14 years at the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA), rising to the position of senior vice president of Healthcare Policy. Throughout her tenure, she worked closely with medical product manufacturers and distributors to address key supply chain challenges, including tariffs, transportation, domestic production, and Medicare reimbursement. She also cultivated strong partnerships with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), managing a $2 million collaborative agreement.

O’Neill previously worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant to a member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, analyzing and advising on health legislation and amendments. Her focus on rural provider reimbursement during this period extended to serving as co-staff director for the Senate Rural Health Caucus. She later served as director of Federal Affairs for one of the nation’s largest group purchasing organizations, leading policy initiatives on value-based purchasing, hospital infection control, and unique device identification.

“Linda’s deep understanding of healthcare policy and supply chain dynamics makes her an invaluable addition to Applied Policy,” Applied Policy President/CEO James Scott, President and CEO said. “Her expertise will strengthen our ability to support clients navigating the complexities of medical device regulations and reimbursement policies.”

O’Neill earned a bachelor of arts degree in American history and journalism from the University of Albany and a master of arts degree in legislative affairs from The George Washington University.

Applied Policy specializes in CMS reimbursement issues and related health policy. It was founded in 2009 by Scott, who has experience at CMS, on Capitol Hill and with an international pharmaceutical firm.