The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) is the principal advisory group to the United States Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on policy development and provides coordination and support for HHS's strategic and policy planning, planning and development of legislation, program evaluation, data gathering, policy-related research, and regulatory program.
ASPE refers both to the position, the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, and the office directed by that position. Since its authorization in 1965, ASPE has played an instrumental role as an internal strategy group, think tank, and incubator supporting the priorities and needs of the Secretary, and consequently, the Department as a whole.
Mission
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) is the principal advisory group to the Secretary of the HHS on policy development and provides coordination and support for HHS's strategic and policy planning, planning and development of legislation, program evaluation, data gathering, policy-related research, and regulatory program.
ASPE advises the Secretary on policy issues associated with health, human services, disabilities, aging, long-term care, science policy, data resources, and other matters, such as economic policy. ASPE leads special initiatives on behalf of the Secretary; provides direction for, and coordinates, HHS policy research, evaluation and data gathering and related analyses; and manages cross-Department activities, such as strategic and legislation planning. Integral to this role, ASPE develops policy analyses—both short and long-term—and related initiatives, conducts policy research and evaluation studies, and reviews and estimates the costs and benefits of policies (including regulations) and programs under consideration by HHS, Congress and others. ASPE works with other HHS Assistant Secretaries and agency heads on these matters.
Activities
Primary activities
Research and Evaluation – ASPE's policy research and evaluation program has a significant impact on the improvement of policies, programs and services of HHS, by systematically collecting information on program performance, assessing program effectiveness, improving performance measurement, performing environmental scans and assessments, and providing program management. Data Collection Coordination – ASPE leads the planning and coordination of data collection investments and statistical policy across HHS and co-chairs the HHS Data Council, which promotes communication and planning for data collection from an HHS-wide perspective, assures coordination and cost efficiencies in addressing interagency data needs, and serves as a forum to address priority interagency, Departmental, and national data needs in a coordinated fashion. Research Coordination – ASPE also has the lead role in ensuring that HHS’ investment in health and human services research supports the Secretary's Strategic Initiatives and Departmental priorities in the most efficient and effective manner.
Affordable Care Act-related activities
ASPE undertakes a variety of policy development, research, analysis, evaluation and data development activities in support of ACA implementation including: Internal policy development, data development and technical assistance projects. Source of information and data to other parts of the Federal government and improve data to track changes as the ACA is implemented. Actuarial analysis and modeling to support the development of policy alternatives relating to ACA provisions regarding coverage, affordability, and market reforms. Review, study, and evaluation to identify effective prevention strategies and associated benefits, especially in the area of community-based and clinical preventive service integration. Development of data and analytic capability to support outreach and enrollment activities for Medicaid and Exchange coverage expansion. • Modeling and evaluation support for the CMS Innovation Center including post acute care payment activities. • Evaluation of the overall impact of Medicaid expansions on vulnerable populations and of specific new Medicaid options that enable states to serve individuals with multiple chronic conditions and needs for functional assistance.