Regional Leaders Unite To Prepare For Upcoming Medicaid Changes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Regional Leaders Unite To Prepare For Upcoming Medicaid Changes

Health, government and community leaders gathered to strengthen collaboration ahead of Medicaid changes.

SYRACUSE, N.Y.– More than 180 professionals representing health care, government and community-based organizations from seven Central New York counties gathered on Tuesday in Syracuse to begin developing a coordinated regional response to upcoming Medicaid eligibility changes scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

Foodnet Meals on Wheels, Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Oswego County Opportunities and Seven Valleys Health Coalition convened The Changing Medicaid Landscape: Preparing for What’s Ahead, with support from the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. The event brought together professionals representing over 90 organizations across Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego and Tompkins counties.

According to New York state, new work requirements and changes to the reauthorization process, requirements established under H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” could result in more than 1 million people in New York State losing Medicaid coverage if they are unable to successfully complete the renewal process. The changes are expected to affect health care providers, community-based organizations, local governments and the many organizations that help New Yorkers access health and social care services.

The convening featured a panel discussion with Kenneth Ellis, director of Medicaid for Onondaga County; Tricia Peter Clark, president and CEO of ConnextCare; Tiffany Sturdivant, director of regional needs assessment and planning at United Hospital Fund; and Cindy Wilcox, executive director of the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County. The discussion was moderated by Joelle Hutson, coordinator of community health at Oswego County Opportunities.

Following the panel discussion, attendees participated in facilitated breakout discussions focused on the challenges organizations anticipate as the new requirements take effect and the strategies needed to help Medicaid recipients maintain access to health coverage and essential services.

A consistent message emerged throughout the day: no single organization can address these challenges alone. Participants emphasized that collaboration across health care, human services and government will be essential to ensuring residents receive timely information, assistance and access to care. They also identified ongoing communication across organizations and county lines as a critical component of a successful regional response.

“This convening was never meant to be a one-day conversation,” said Hutson. “It was the beginning of a continued commitment to collaborate with intention, strengthen regional partnerships and ensure Medicaid recipients have access to the care and services they need as these changes take effect.”

Organizers said the conversations marked the beginning of a broader regional effort. Participating organizations committed to continuing to meet, share information and strengthen partnerships as implementation approaches to help ensure Medicaid recipients remain connected to the services and supports they need.?