VOL./ISSUE 26.09  —  COMUNILIFE SYMPOSIUM 2026

Protecting health access for the most vulnerable.

Understanding the impact of Medicaid requirements under H.R.1
FIG. 01 — ADMISSION

Free

Space is limited, so reserve today. Registration is required — walk-in admission is not available for this event.
Reserve your seat →
DATE

Monday, September 14, 2026

9:30 am – 4:00 pm
LOCATION

1 Columbus Circle

New York, NY 10019 Please use the entrance on W 58th Street.
FORMAT

In person, nonpartisan

Keynote, two panels, breakfast, lunch, and networking.
§ 01  —  OVERVIEW

A research-informed forum.

H.R.1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” represents one of the most significant Medicaid policy changes in recent history, mandating community engagement (work) requirements for many Medicaid expansion enrollees nationwide beginning in 2027. Congressional Budget Office projections and prior state experiences indicate that these requirements could result in substantial coverage losses driven largely by administrative complexity rather than changes in employment.
This symposium provides a research-informed, nonpartisan forum to examine the anticipated effects of Medicaid work requirements on coverage, health equity, and system performance. Drawing on federal guidance, state implementation examples, and peer-reviewed evidence, the convening will explore how policy design and implementation choices shape outcomes for individuals and health systems — and what lessons can inform future Medicaid reform efforts.
§ 02  —  AGENDA

One day, seven sessions.

ALL TIMES EASTERN
9:30 – 10:00 am

Registration & breakfast

10:00 – 10:50 am

Welcome and keynote

11:00 – 12:30 pm

Panel 1 — Perspectives from across the country

12:30 – 1:30 pm

Lunch

1:30 – 3:00 pm

Panel 2 — City & State guidance

3:00 – 3:30 pm

Wrap-up and findings

3:30 – 4:00 pm

Networking

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James V. McDonald, M.D., M.P.H.

COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH · NEW YORK STATE
§ 03  —  KEYNOTE ADDRESS

A view from the state’s top health office.

Comunilife is pleased to welcome Dr. James V. McDonald as our keynote speaker. Dr. McDonald was appointed Acting Commissioner of Health on January 1, 2023 and confirmed by the Senate on June 9, 2023. Prior to joining the New York State Department of Health in July 2022, he served at the Rhode Island Department of Health beginning in 2012.
At the Rhode Island Department of Health he held multiple roles, including Interim Director of Health, Chief Administrative Officer of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, Medical Director for the COVID unit, and Medical Director for the Division of Health Care Quality and Safety and the Drug Overdose Prevention Program. He was a member of the Governor’s task force on preventing overdose deaths, and holds faculty appointments at the UAlbany School of Public Health and the Brown School of Public Health.
§ 04  —  PANELS

Two conversations, national to local.

PANEL 1 · 11:00 – 12:30 PM

Perspectives from across the country

Leaders from national coalitions and early-adoption states.
MODERATOR

Linda Rosenburg

Co-founder, Behavioral Health Strategy; Senior Advisor, Health Management Associates
PANELISTS

Bobby Watts, MPH, CPH, MS

Chief Executive Officer, National Health Care for the Homeless Council

Peter Delia, JD

Federal Policy and Advocacy Strategist, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Vanessa Cameron

Executive Director / CEO, Georgia Association of Community Service Boards
MORE SPEAKERS TO BE ANNOUNCED
PANEL 2 · 1:30 – 3:00 PM

City & State guidance

Perspectives from City and State leaders, health care systems, and providers.
MODERATOR

Beverly Raudales, M.D.

Chief Program Officer, Comunilife
PANELISTS

Dr. Jorge Petit

Executive Deputy Commissioner and Director of Community Services, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Division of Mental Hygiene

Lara Kassel

Coalition Coordinator, Medicaid Matters NY

Hira Ruskin

Vice President, Operations, Northwell Health
REGISTER

Admission is free — space is not.

Registration is required and walk-in admission is not available for this event. Reserve today to hold your seat.