Niagara Medicaid Collaboratative Held Wednesday, September 23rd
By Katie Morse • September 21, 2026
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Major changes to Medicaid will take place at the start of next year.
The introduction of mandatory work or community requirements may be difficult to navigate for some Medicaid recipients, and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center is working to help develop a coordinated system for referring members to education programs, job training, and job placement assistance.
On Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. the hospital is hosting a Medicaid Collaborative to discuss the changes coming to Medicaid in 2027. Our goal is to connect with local organizations to make sure they are aware of the changes and also to see if they might be able to provide Medicaid recipients with employment or volunteer opportunities. Without those opportunities, some people may lose their Medicaid benefits.
The agenda for this week’s meeting in the hospital’s auditorium is below. We invite you to come learn more and connect with hospital and community leaders.
Niagara Medicaid Collaborative Agenda
Wednesday, September 23, 2026: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Welcome: Joseph A. Ruffolo, President and CEO, Niagara Falls Memorial
Introductions: Sheila K. Kee, Executive Director, Special Initiatives (5 minutes)
Overview of New Medicaid Work and Community Engagement Rules
Bridget Bartolone, SNAPCAP Executive (10 minutes)
Ripple Effect: Impact of Medicaid Work & Community Engagement Rules
Broderick Cason, Community Engagement & Program Manager, Univera
(10 minutes)
Navigating New Medicaid Rules: Role of Medicaid Managed Care Plan
Danielle Gare, Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Highmark (5 minutes)
Kathy Messer, Vice President, State Products, Independent Health (5 minutes)
Andrew Spadoni, Sr. Director, Marketing Strategy, MVP Health Plan (5 minutes)
Stronger Together: Benefits of Volunteering
Catherine Shick, Chief Communication Officer, FeedMore WNY (5 minutes)
Mark Baetzhold, Ex. Director/Kristina Daloia, Hospitality Program Mgr. Heart. Love and Soul (5 minutes)
Establishing and Tracking Volunteer Opportunities for Medicaid Members
Sheila Kee (5 minutes)
Workforce and Training Pathways
Gerald J. Cracknell, Executive Director, WorkSource One (10 minutes)
Question and Answer Session (15 minutes)
Next Steps for Niagara Medicaid Collaborative: Bridget Bartolone/Sheila Kee (10 minutes)
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