Medicaid 101: Understanding Medicaid and Waiting Lists

Join the Medicaid Advocacy Project for this introductory webinar featuring Nicole Jorwic. This webinar provides an overview of Medicaid, including the basics of how the program works, who it serves, and the role Medicaid plays in providing health care and long-term services and supports.

The webinar will also provide an overview of Medicaid waiting lists, including what they are, why individuals may be placed on a waiting list for certain services, and how waiting lists relate to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). We will discuss the Medicaid cuts and work requirements passed as part of One Big Beautiful Bill Act, going into effect on January 1, 2027, and how they will impact recipients. Participants will learn about key information they should know when navigating Medicaid and accessing services.

This webinar is designed for self-advocates, family members, allies, direct support professionals, and others who want to better understand Medicaid and current issues affecting access to services.

You can access the slides for the webinar here.

About the presenter

Nicole Jorwic is an experienced policy professional supporting advancements in disability, aging and direct care workforce policy and mobilization. Nicole is the Chief Program Officer for Caring Across Generations. Prior to her current roles, Nicole was Senior Director of Public Policy and Senior Executive Officer of State Advocacy at The Arc of the United States. Before coming to DC to work on Federal Advocacy, Nicole served as Senior Policy Advisor and Manager of the Employment First Initiative in Illinois. Prior to that appointment, Nicole was the CEO/President of the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities. Nicole is also an accomplished special education attorney.

Nicole leads and supports many coalitions to advance the priorities of the care movement, including strengthening and expanding access to Medicaid, home and community-based care and better pay for direct care workers. Nicole is a member of the Presidents Committee on People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Nicole is most importantly a sibling to her brother Chris who is 35 and has autism, a former direct care worker, and on the care team for her three grandparents in their 90s.