Established in 1965, Medicaid was designed as a federal-state medical insurance program for people with low incomes. Today, the program in New York State is poised to be so much more: an integrated support system that addresses both clinical and social care for a holistic approach to health.
This is great news for both Medicaid enrollees and the community-based organizations that serve them.
At a time when grants and other funding streams are being cut or changed for many community-based organizations, the waiver represents the opportunity for these organizations to access new resources and build stability.
New York says it is committed to strengthening the future of Medicaid even beyond the 1115 waiver. But progress won’t happen without the contributions of CBOs.
New York State’s Commitment
Approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid in 2024, the “Medicaid Redesign Project” under the Medicaid 1115 waiver enables states to innovate their delivery of community-based services to meet the health-related social needs of their Medicaid populations.
New York State is investing in social care networks (SCNs) that can partner with community-based nonprofit groups to provide transportation services, housing, and nutritious food. SCNs serve as intermediaries between the community-based organizations (CBOs) and managed care providers.
Under the new model, not only will Medicaid enrollees receive integrated care, but CBOs—historically treated as peripheral players, despite the value of their services—will now be viewed as equal partners for better health care delivery.
This shift extends to financial compensation, enabling CBOs to build capacity and be more sustainable. Funds are available for providing services to meet health-related social needs, completing social needs assessments, and building capacity for program delivery. More information is available through a Community Care Hub in your region.
Insights from Community Care Hubs
Community Care Hubs (CCHs) are on the front lines of building and leading strong social care networks (SCNs). Watch the videos below to hear the perspectives of a few leaders from three hubs. All three CCHs were chosen by New York State for their expertise and regional leadership to help implement the new holistic care model through the 1115 waiver.
- FLIPA (Forward Leading Independent Provider Association)
Counties served: Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates
- Healthy Alliance Foundation
Counties served: Capital region — Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie; Central New York — Cortland, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego; North Country — Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Warren, Washington
- Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative (WNYICC)
Counties served: Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Erie Niagara
If You’re a CBO, a Community Care Hub Can Set You Up for Success
Scott Emery, Chief Strategy Officer, explains how Healthy Alliance helps CBOs maximize the advantages of the SCN approach.
Patty McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of FLIPA, explains that CBOs won’t just get reimbursed—they’ll be able to unlock a true investment in their own sustainability.
Nikki Kmicinski, CEO of WNYICC, explains how New York State’s social care networks can be a leader for the rest of the country.
Move from the Sidelines to the Center!
If you’re a CBO on the front lines of providing social care navigation or care management, food, transportation, or housing services for Medicaid recipients, you owe it to yourself—and your clients—to join a social care network.
Be part of a new blueprint for integrated care and health equity. Get compensated for your social care work while contributing to a better delivery model for New York State.
For more information, including funding opportunities, contact a Community Care Hub in your region today:
FLIPA: www.forwardleadingipa.org/welinkcare
Healthy Alliance: www.healthyalliance.org
WNY Integrated Care: info@wnyicc.org or www.wnyscn.org
More Insights on Our Vimeo Gallery
To view all of our videos about the Medicaid 1115 waiver, including our October 2025 Community Updates webinar, go to our showcase gallery on Vimeo.
