On Friday, March 7, team members from Partners Health Plan and our sister organization, Care Design NY, came together with members, families, and advocates at NY Boulders Stadium to participate in a powerful rally hosted by Jawonio.

The event was a meaningful opportunity to raise our collective voices in support of increased state and federal funding, the protection of Medicaid and the preservation of essential services for New Yorkers with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Together, we stood united to advocate for the respect, resources and recognition this community rightfully deserves.

On Friday, March 7, advocates, individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), and their families gathered at the New York State Office Building in Hauppauge for a powerful call to action in support of the I/DD community.

The rally brought together voices from across Long Island and beyond to advocate for increased investment in the future of people with I/DD and those who dedicate their lives to supporting them. The event featured remarks from New York State Legislative Committee Members on People with Disabilities — Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio — who spoke passionately about the urgent need for sustained funding, meaningful support, and lasting recognition for this vital community.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, stood together, and raised their voices. Your advocacy plays a critical role in shaping a better, more inclusive future for all.

In late February, Partners Health Plan team members proudly joined over 300 advocates, members, families and provider organizations on the steps of the New York State Capitol for the New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) Rally. Together, we raised our voices on behalf of the 130,000+ New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who rely on a stable, well-funded care system.

The rally brought together passionate leaders, including Senator Patricia Fahy, Chair of the Senate Committee on Disabilities, who shared powerful words about the urgent need for investment in disability services. Her support, along with that of other legislators and advocates, reinforced the importance of maintaining a sustainable, person-centered care system across New York State.

Our message was clear: New Yorkers with disabilities deserve a care system that is strong, stable and fully funded. Ongoing challenges in workforce retention and service access make this work more important than ever.

We’re grateful to everyone who stood with us and we remain committed to pushing for the resources needed to support individuals with I/DD and their families.

Check out some photos and highlights from the rally below.

Partners Health Plan prioritizes a culture of respect and inclusion for its employees, members, families, and stakeholders. To support this commitment, the organization has established a department dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB).

Karleen Haines, the Director of Advocacy at Partners Health Plan, was honored to speak at the annual National Conference of The Arc in Colombus.

Her presentation focused on taking a whole-person approach to health, emphasizing the importance of addressing all aspects of well-being—physical, medical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The session covered critical health topics such as annual wellness exams, preventative screenings, planning for medical visits, life goals, fitness, diet, self-care, and building supportive relationships. Karleen also provided valuable resources and tools for supporting whole-person health, sharing inspiring stories of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, showcasing both challenges and successes in their health journeys.