The 2026 Medicaid Summit

On Tuesday, June 9, 2026 the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, The Council of State Governments and CSG East co-hosted The 2026 Medicaid Summit.

About The 2026 Medicaid Summit

The future of Medicaid is undergoing a major transformation, with significant changes resulting from the H.R.1, referred to as "the One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA) enacted in July 2025. These reforms, taking effect between 2026 and 2028, constitute the largest overhaul in the program's history, focusing on restricting growth, implementing work requirements, and reducing federal spending by nearly a trillion dollars over a decade.

The 2026 Medicaid Summit featured conversations and presentations by national subject matter experts to foster collaboration, a deeper understanding of Medicaid reforms, and how states can mitigate the impact on the systems, communities, and individuals Medicaid serves. 

Panel 1: Medicaid-funded Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and the Direct Care Workforce

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Panel Description: Medicaid is more than a health insurance program – it is the largest provider of long-term services and supports (LTSS) in the United States. Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are a form of LTSS that enable people to live and engage in their communities, rather than institutional settings. The direct care workforce is essential to the delivery of HCBS. However, our current workforce is unable to meet current demand, let alone the growing need driven by an aging population and more people with disabilities living in the community.

Facilitated by: Nicole LeBlanc

Poem Reading: "The Mathematics of Mercy" by Betsy Johnson

Panelists: Dr. Joe Caldwell and Dorothy Hiersteiner

Panel 2: Implementation of H.R.1 and New Work Requirements

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Panel Description: Signed into law on July 4, 2025, H.R.1 (the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) cuts federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over the next ten years. In addition, states must implement new work requirements and more frequent redeterminations for Medicaid beneficiaries. This poses a challenge for state governments and threatens the established rights of people with disabilities to live, and receive services, in the most integrated community setting possible.

Facilitated by: Nicole LeBlanc

Panelists: Gelila Selassie, Alixe Bonardi and Elizabeth LaMontagne

Panel 3: H.R.1 and State Budget Decision-Making

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Panel Description: The impending Medicaid cuts from H.R.1 will significantly impact state budgets. The legislation has already prompted states to consider tax code changes and make difficult choices on which Medicaid programs to retain and which they can no longer afford. This panel will highlight state budgetary impacts in 2026 and beyond. 

Facilitated by: Sean Slone

Panelists: Wesley Tharpe and Andrew Badaracco

Panel 4: Rural Health Transformation

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Panel Description: The impending Medicaid cuts from H.R.1 will significantly impact state budgets. The legislation has already prompted states to consider tax code changes and make difficult choices on which Medicaid programs to retain and which they can no longer afford. This panel will highlight state budgetary impacts in 2026 and beyond. 

Facilitated by: Sean Slone

Panelists: Dr. Cody Mullen, Eliza Lake, Andrew Badaracco and Kate Schedel

Presentations used during this event are property of their creators and/or their organizations. Statements made by facilitators, panelists and audience members do not constitute endorsement by any co-host or sponsor.