Team Members in the Media: September and October Highlights!

VNS Health isn’t just making a difference every day—we’re making headlines!

This fall, our team members have been front and center in many positive news stories: sharing expert health advice on TV, appearing in stories about compassionate care, and leading important conversations about the benefits of top-quality home health care.

Of course, that’s no surprise to us—at VNS Health, our teams demonstrate leadership in this vital health care work, day in and day out!

Team members featured in September and October news stories include:

• Alex Diaz, Medicare Sales Director
• Dan Savitt, President and CEO
• Debra Corbett, VP, Care Management Solutions
• John Burke, EVP and Chief of Health Plans
• Mayra Rosendo, Promise Zone Family Advocate
• Esther Conteh, VP of Care Management, Health Plans
• Patty Vieira, Physical Therapist
• Barbara Riegel, Research Scientist
• Margaret McDonald, AVP, Center for Home Care Policy & Research
• Pat Deferio, VP, Upstate Health Plans
• Dan Lynch, Occupational Therapist

PIX11 Features VNS Health’s Health Plans Expertise During Enrollment Season

During PIX11’s “NY Daily Living” show, VNS Health Medicare Sales Director Alex Diaz offered expert advice to help New Yorkers navigate Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period—highlighting how VNS Health’s personalized Medicare Advantage plans support independence and meet diverse health needs. The segment underscored VNS Health’s long-standing commitment to guiding individuals through complex coverage decisions. Watch below!

Politico Features Insight from CEO Dan Savitt on Proposed CMS Cuts

The influential Politico newsletter “New York Health Care” published a story about proposed CMS cuts that will negatively affect home health providers, as well as efforts by NY legislators to get CMS to pause the rule and reevaluate their approach. The article features insight from CEO and President Dan Savitt on the potential negative impact of the rule on the health of vulnerable older adults. As Dan notes, “CMS has the obligation to fix this so seniors can recover safely at home and not end up back in hospitals, nursing homes—or worse.” Read in full on Frontline.

Dan Savitt Provides Insight on How the Government Shutdown Is Impacting Home Care

Home Health Care News gathered insight from leaders across the industry on the many ways the government shutdown is affecting home care. Among the select leaders quoted in the article, President and CEO Dan Savitt spotlights slowdowns around the release of the CY2026 payment as one particularly concerning consequence. “Shutdowns are temporary,” Dan observes. “But the damage caused by inaction, however short, can lead to lost access, delayed care, avoidable hospitalizations and unnecessary deaths, all leading to harmful reverberations that could last for years.” Read the full article on Frontline here.  

The Associated Press Reports on VNS Health Partnership with TytoCare

The AP and several dozen industries and national outlets shared news of VNS Health’s partnership with the remote diagnostic technology company TytoCare. TytoCare’s Pro Smart Clinic tool will enable VNS Health’s Medical Care at Home program to expand its hybrid care model, serving a greater number of patients who are facing significant health challenges. Using TytoCare’s tool, VNS Health certified medical assistants (CMA) can connect a patient via telehealth with a Nurse Practitioner. In the article, Debra Corbett, VP, Care Management Solutions, speaks to the many ways this partnership will help VNS Health better meet the needs of the community. Read more on Frontline here.

John Burke Featured in Home Health Care News Articles on VNS Health’s “Payvider” Model

John Burke, EVP and Chief of Health Plans, was featured in two Home Health Care News articles following his panel appearance at HHCN’s FUTURE conference. In one, he discusses how integrating health plan and provider services improves care for high-risk populations and creates financial opportunities for both sides. In the other piece, he highlights VNS Health’s deep expertise in home and community-based services, reinforcing the value of its “payvider” approach. Read on Frontline here and here

Promise Zone Family Advocate Mayra Rosendo Featured on Univision 41 and The Bronx Voice

Mayra Rosendo, a Family Advocate with the Promise Zone Program, was recently featured in two stories highlighting her advocacy for children’s mental health and family well-being. In an interview with Univision 41, Mayra discusses the mental health challenges facing children and families in New York City, emphasizing the importance of seeking community support and sharing her personal journey as a mother. Meanwhile, in a back-to-school article for The Bronx Voice titled “Parenting with Strength: Why Your Well-Being Counts,” Mayra offers practical self-care tips for parents.

VNS Health Provides Expertise in Buffalo Healthy Living

Buffalo Healthy Living published two stories featuring VNS Health experts. In one, Esther Conteh, VP of Care Management, shares holiday caregiving tips for families supporting aging loved ones, encouraging early conversations about care needs. In a separate article, Patricia Bailey, RN at Elderwood IPA, offers practical advice on fall prevention. Read more here and here.

LI Press Profiles PT Patty Vieira for Physical Therapy Month

Physical Therapist Patty Vieira was profiled in The Long Island Press, in a story about her years of service caring for the Long Island community. In the story, timed to coincide with Physical Therapy Month, she explains why home care is such a unique specialty within the field of Physical Therapy, and shares what she loves most about her job. As Patty notes, “I always say it’s almost like a selfish job, because you get such an unbelievable reward from helping people.” Read the full story on Frontline here.

HHCN Spotlights VNS Health’s Innovative Heart Health Research

An article in Home Health Care News put a spotlight on VNS Health’s virtual coaching program, ViCCY, which supports family caregivers of patients with heart failure and cognitive impairment. VNS Health Research Scientist Dr. Barbara Riegel notes the program is reducing caregiver stress and improving patient outcomes. Margaret McDonald, AVP, Center for Home Care Policy & Research, also provides perspective on why engaging caregivers is essential to strengthening home-based care interventions. Read the full article on Frontline.

Buffalo Business First Covers Kalos Health Wind-Down and VNS Health Transition

Buffalo Business First reported on Kalos Health’s closure as a Medicaid managed long-term care (MLTC) plan, with VNS Health stepping in to continue care for nearly 1,000 former Kalos members in Western New York. The article also highlights VNS Health’s ongoing collaboration with Elderwood IPA to support job continuity in that region. As Pat Deferio, VP, Upstate Health Plans, says, “VNS Health, Kalos and Elderwood are committed to ‘keeping it in the community,’ making sure members maintain access to care they trust and know.” Read more on Frontline here.

The Bronx Voice Features Fall Prevention Tips from OT Dan Lynch

The Bronx Voice featured an informative health tips article from Occupational Therapist Dan Lynch on simple ways to prevent fall risks at home. In the article, Dan shares his experiences in the field, explaining how OTs are the “problem-solvers” of health care, identifying challenges for patients and helping create solutions to keep them safe. Read on Frontline here.

Nurse.org spotlights Lillian Wald and her legacy at VNS Health

A story about trailblazing nurses places special focus on Lillian Wald, among other notable nursing pioneers, detailing how her innovative work is still carried on today by the Henry Street Settlement and VNS Health. Read more on Frontline here.