Summary
Abdinasir Ali, Ph.D., MPH, is a health economist whose primary research interests include health policy and social and economic support policies, particularly those related to housing, income and nutrition. He studies how these policies affect the health of adults and children.
Ali uses quasi-experimental study designs and econometric methods to estimate the effects of policy and behavioral interventions. His recent work has examined eviction moratoriums and emergency rental assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the child tax credit, earned income tax credit and special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children. His research focuses on how these programs affect the health and health behaviors of vulnerable populations. His work has been published in leading journals, including Health Affairs, the American Journal of Public Health and The Milbank Quarterly, and presented at national conferences.
Selected publications
- Ali, A. K., Dore, E., & Hamad, R. (2025). Health effects of the 2021 earned income tax credit expansion on young adults without children. The Milbank Quarterly.
- Ali, A. K., & Lyu, W. (2025). Expansion of the earned income tax credit for young adults and mental health of U.S. home renters, 2021-2023. American Journal of Public Health, 115(11).
- Ali, A. K., Lyu, W., & Wehby, G. L. (2024). The effects of the expanded child tax credit on mental health of home renters and homeowners. Mental Health & Prevention, 34, 200341.
- Semprini, J., Ali, A. K., & Benavidez, G. A. (2023). Medicaid expansion lowered uninsurance rates among nonelderly adults in the most heavily redlined areas. Health Affairs, 42(10), 1439-1447.
- Ali, A. K., & Wehby, G. L. (2022). State eviction moratoriums during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with improved mental health among people who rent. Health Affairs, 41(11), 1583-1589.
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, Harvard University, 2026
- Ph.D in Health Services and Policy, University of Iowa, 2024
- MPH in Health Management and Policy, San Diego State University, 2014
- B.S in Biology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 2010