Team Members in the News: December Highlights!

December may be a time when much of the world slows down, but when it comes to great stories in the press, VNS Health was full speed ahead last month! From our MAP and MLTC health plans achieving 5 Stars to powerful accounts of care and compassion delivered at home, our organization continues to make headlines,—reflecting the many ways VNS Health team members go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others so that they can continue to live at home and in their communities.

Team members featured in December news stories include:

• John Burke, EVP and Chief of Health Plans
• Behavioral Health Team
• Margaret McDonald, AVP, Center for Home Care Policy & Research
• Dan Savitt, President and CEO
• Terri Meldrum, EVP and Chief Legal and Risk Officer
• Asha Lyons, Social Worker, Gender Affirmation Program
• Michelle Belton, RN, Nurse-Family Partnership
• Esther Conteh, VP, Care Management, Health Plans
• Teresa Lin, VP, Cultural Marketing Development, Health Plans
• Devin Woodley, VP, Managed Care Contracts

Associated Press Highlights VNS Health MAP Plan’s 5-Star Ratings

The Associated Press reported that VNS Health’s dual-eligible Medicaid Advantage Plus (MAP) plan, VNS Health Total (HMO D-SNP), earned a five-star Overall Quality Rating from the New York State Department of Health for the second consecutive year—making it once again the only MAP plan in the state to achieve a five-star rating. VNS Health’s stand-alone Medicaid Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plan also received five stars, underscoring its exceptional care quality and member satisfaction. “Our goal is simple: to make sure every member gets the support they need to thrive at home,” said John Burke, EVP and Chief of Health Plans. Read more on Frontline here.

Behavioral Health Team Named a “Top Mental Health Care Provider”

City & State’s inaugural Top Mental Health Care Providers list recognized organizations delivering innovative programs and standout services to meet New Yorkers’ mental health needs. VNS Health Behavioral Health was one of the select organizations chosen for the list—a recognition tied to our decades of work providing support for behavioral health needs in New Yorkers’ homes and across diverse communities. Read the full report on Frontline here.

New York Times Highlights VNS Health’s Innovation in Home Care

The New York Times featured VNS Health in its “New Old Age” series, which explores challenges and innovations in older adult health. The article focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the home care industry, including VNS Health’s role in a Weill Cornell Medicine study where VNS Health home health aides received virtual training on heart failure care and used a mobile app to stay connected with supervisors. The results of the training? Greater confidence on the part of the HHAs, fewer 911 calls, and fewer ER visits for patients. A separate story in McKnight’s also highlighted the study, with takeaways from Margaret McDonald, AVP, Center for Home Care Policy & Research, on how the results show that skill-building boosts confidence and career growth for HHAs. Read the two stories here and here.

CEO Dan Savitt Featured in Breaking News Stories about CMS Final Payment Rule

Home Health Care News published an in-depth article on CMS’s finalized FY2026 Home Health Payment Rule, noting its revised methodology and smaller-than-proposed cuts. President and CEO Dan Savitt’s analysis and perspective is featured prominently, including his warning that even with the adjustments by CMS, the 1.3% reduction continues a trend of destabilizing funding cuts to home health care. Dan’s takeaways on the rule were also featured in a McKnight’s article about the final reimbursement rates. Read more here and here.

Dan Savitt Speaks to Crain’s New York Business on Aging in Place

Crain’s New York Business published an article recapping their “Future of Aging in New York” event, where Dan Savitt highlighted the urgent need to invest in home-based care. In his remarks, Dan warned that flat reimbursements and workforce shortages are creating “home health deserts” in underserved communities. He also called for coordinated funding and policy alignment to scale proven models and ensure seniors can remain living in their homes with dignity. Read more on Frontline.

Influential Business Outlets Profile Terri Meldrum, EVP and Chief Legal and Risk Officer

Terri Meldrum, who recently joined VNS Health as EVP and Chief Legal and Risk Officer, was featured in New York Business Journal’s “People on the Move” and “Who’s News” in Crain’s NY Business. The profiles detail Terri’s extensive experience, and how she will be responsible for the Legal, Compliance, Risk Management and Insurance, and Internal Audit Departments at VNS Health.

GAP Social Worker Asha Lyons on the Healing Power of Trust

Healthbeat shared an inspiring first-person story from Gender Affirmation Program (GAP) Social Worker Asha Lyons on the importance of building trust and support with clients and patients. In the piece, Asha shares her experience supporting transgender clients after gender-affirming surgery—describing the emotional highs and challenges of recovery, the importance of compassionate peer support, and the barriers clients face. The story was first performed at alive storytelling event, “Aha Moments in Public Health.”Read the full story and watch Asha’s live retelling below and on Frontline!

The Bronx Voice Spotlights VNS Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership

The Bronx Voice featured a story from Yunice Weston, a Bronx mother and recent graduate of VNS Health’s Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP). In the article, Yunice shares how the NFP supported her through pregnancy and early parenthood—and how her NFP Nurse Michele Belton helped her build confidence, access resources, and thrive as a new mother. Read on Frontline here.

Esther Conteh, VP Care Management, Provides Winter Wellness Tips

Buffalo Healthy Living published a health tips article from Esther Conteh, VP, Care Management, Health Plans, delving into the common issue of “winter blues.” Esther explains how this is especially common among older adults who may be more isolated during the colder months. She provides actionable ideas for mood-boosters, as well as suggestions of resources families can reach out to if a loved one is dealing with feelings of anxiety or depression. Read the full article on Frontline here.

BK Reader Reports on Community Center Holiday Chicken Giveaway

The BK Reader published a story about the 2025 Holiday Chicken Giveaway at VNS Health’s Community Center in Sunset Park. As Teresa Lin, VP, Cultural Marketing Development says in the story, “This event brings the warmth and spirit of the holiday season to those we serve.” The article notes that VNS Health gave away 200 chickens during the event, and that prominent local elected officials attended as well. Read more on Frontline.

Devin Woodley Shares Best Practices for Value-Based Care in HHCN

An article in Home Health Care News focused on the challenges and opportunities around value-based care, featuring insights from Devin Woodley, VP, Managed Care Contracting. In his comments, Devin emphasizes that payers now demand clear evidence of added value and significantly higher ROI before adopting alternative payment models. He also notes that VNS Health has responded by documenting performance through value-based components, enabling a shift to episodic contracts that incorporate innovations like virtual visits and remote monitoring. Read the full article on Frontline here.

NY Social Diary Features 2025 Benefit Gala

VNS Health’s 2025 Benefit Gala was featured front and center in New York Social Diary. The story, published in their ongoing “Party Pictures” series, featured 20+ photos of team members and community partners celebrating at the event. In addition, the article spotlights the amount raised and this year’s distinguished Lillian Wald Awardees, as well as the gala’s special focus on VNS Health’s Nurse Residency Program. See the full story and pictures on Frontline here!