Catherine Kirkland (Cat)

• Represented a children’s hospital in Medicaid reimbursement strategy, leading advocacy and financial modeling efforts that secured inclusion of the hospital in a supplemental Medicaid program through a regulatory exception, resulting in substantial new funding for the hospital.
• Represented group of hospitals in the development of complex Medicaid financial models and strategic advocacy to support expansion of a directed payment program to a new beneficiary population, resulting in significant new funding for participating providers throughout the state.
• Conducted comprehensive Medicaid market analyses for psychiatric hospitals entering new state footprints, assessing potential financial impact and reimbursement opportunities. Provided private equity clients with data-driven insights and modeling to inform investment decisions and strategy for expansion.
• Represented a large healthcare system in arbitration against a national Medicare Advantage plan resulting in a decisive win and significant financial recovery for the system.
• Regularly analyze and prepare Medicaid DSH applications and audits, identifying new funding opportunities for clients and assisting in averting potential recoupments.
• Assisted clients in modeling the Medicaid financial impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill, developing a variety of scenarios to consider financing, projected payments, and potential operational changes. Provided actionable insights to help clients plan strategically and adapt to evolving policy and market conditions.

Cat Kirkland is based in Washington, D.C. and is a partner in the firm’s Healthcare practice. Cat works closely with hospitals, providers and related stakeholders on reimbursement issues, policy development, financial modeling and business operations. Known for her collaborative, solution-oriented approach, Cat thrives on becoming a trusted partner for each client and takes pride in helping providers navigate challenging and complex legal and reimbursement environments.

Cat’s reimbursement experience includes advising clients on state-directed payment initiatives, Medicaid rate modeling, program financing, disproportionate share hospital (DSH) programs, upper payment limit (UPL) arrangements and value-based or incentive-driven payment models. She also regularly counsels providers in reimbursement disputes with commercial and Medicare Advantage payors, including those involving the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

Outside the office, Cat enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, traveling and volunteering in her community.