Michael F. Cannon

Michael F. Cannon is the Director of Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank based in Washington, D.C.1 He is a prominent figure in the field of health care policy, known for his advocacy of free-market healthcare solutions and his critiques of government interventions in the healthcare sector.1

Professional Background

Cannon has been with the Cato Institute for several years, where he focuses on health policy issues. Prior to his current role, he worked as a Health Care Policy Analyst at Citizens for a Sound Economy from 1996 to 1999.2

Education

Cannon holds multiple degrees:

• Master of Arts (MA) and Juris Master (JM) in economics, law & economics from George Mason University (2004-2007)
• Bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia (1990-1994)2

Areas of Expertise

Cannon's work primarily revolves around:

• Advocating for free-market healthcare solutions
• Medicare reform
• Critiquing government interventions in healthcare, particularly the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
• Analyzing health policy and its economic impacts1

Publications and Influence

Cannon has authored and co-authored several influential works in the field of health policy:

• Co-author of "Healthy Competition: What's Holding Back Health Care and How to Free It" (2nd edition, 2007)
• Author of "50 Vetoes: How States Can Stop the Obama Health Care Law" (2013)1

His work has gained significant attention, with The Washington Post describing him as "an influential health care wonk at the libertarian Cato Institute" and "the premier libertarian Obamacare critic".1 The Washingtonian named him one of "Washington, D.C.'s 500 most influential people" for 2022.1

Social Media Presence

Cannon is active on social media platforms like Twitter (X), where his handle is @mfcannon.3 He uses these platforms to share his views on health policy and engage in public discourse on healthcare issues.