SNJDC Health Care Leadership Forum Examines Federal Health Policy, Workforce and Access to Care in South Jersey

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New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington and regional hospital leaders address H.R. 1, Medicaid, community care, workforce development and regional preparedness

The Southern New Jersey Development Council (SNJDC) convened its 2026 Health Care Leadership Forum on Friday, June 26, bringing together health care, business, government and community leaders for a timely discussion on federal health policy, the state budget, workforce development, access to care and the pressures facing hospitals and patients across South Jersey.

The hospital executive roundtable was moderated by Cathleen Bennett, President and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association. Panelists included Amy Mansue, CEO of Inspira Health; Aaron Chang, President - East Region for Jefferson Health; and Dr. Jennifer Khelil, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Virtua Health.

The conversation began with the need to reach patients earlier and provide care in community settings before health concerns become emergencies. Panelists discussed rising demand for behavioral health and specialized services, the importance of community health assessments, and the need for hospitals, providers, government and community organizations to work together to expand access.

“Demand is increasing, and expanding access requires a collaborative effort from everyone at the table. The goal is to reach people in the community and provide the right level of specialized care before they need emergency care.” — Aaron Chang, Jefferson Health

Bennett noted that one lasting lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic was a broader recognition that mental health is an essential part of health care and a reduction in the stigma surrounding behavioral health needs.

“It took us a while to fully recognize that mental health is health care. One positive outcome of the pandemic is that it helped reduce the stigma and brought behavioral health needs into the broader health care conversation.” — Cathleen Bennett, New Jersey Hospital Association

Workforce development was another major focus. Dr. Khelil discussed the long-term physician and nursing shortage, the time required to educate and train new clinicians, and Virtua Health’s partnership with Rowan University across osteopathic medicine, nursing and biomedical engineering. Mansue emphasized the importance of training health professionals locally, noting that students and residents who study and complete clinical training in New Jersey are more likely to remain in the state.

“We do not have enough physicians and nurses in New Jersey to meet demand. Training a physician can take 15 or 16 years from high school through independent practice, which is why partnerships in medical education and residency training are so important.” — Dr. Jennifer Khelil, Virtua Health

Much of the discussion centered on H.R. 1 and related changes to Medicaid eligibility, renewal requirements and marketplace subsidies. Hospital leaders warned that additional administrative requirements could create coverage disruptions, particularly for medically fragile patients and residents of rural communities who already face transportation and access barriers. Participants also discussed the potential for more patients to delay care or rely on hospital emergency departments when they lose coverage or cannot navigate the new requirements.

Mansue described Inspira Health’s work with counties, community health workers and other local partners to help residents understand eligibility requirements, complete necessary paperwork and connect with appropriate services. She also noted that hospitals will need to make significant operational decisions while continuing to maintain access, and support patients through the transition.

“We need to bring counties, community health workers and other stakeholders to the table so that residents can navigate the requirements and receive the care they need. Hospitals will face difficult operational decisions, but we will be on the ground helping our communities through these changes.” — Amy Mansue, Inspira Health

The panel also addressed how federal policy changes intersect with the state budget and the social determinants of health, including food security, housing and transportation. Panelists called for greater regulatory efficiency, noting that excessive administrative requirements can slow efforts to expand services and respond to changing community needs.

Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary, panelists discussed the extensive planning underway to protect patients and staff and prepare for a substantial influx of visitors, large community gatherings and potential increases in demand for emergency and public health services.

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington delivered the keynote address, outlining the Department of Health’s response to the changing federal landscape and the State’s efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining safety and quality. He emphasized the pressure H.R. 1 could place on New Jersey hospitals, particularly in South Jersey, and highlighted primary care, telehealth, community health organizations and rural health investments as essential tools for sustaining access.

“Primary care is fundamental to improving health care access. Too many residents still face barriers related to cost, transportation and trust, and we need to open more doors through telehealth, community health organizations and stronger local partnerships.” — Dr. Raynard Washington, New Jersey Department of Health

Commissioner Washington also said the Administration is actively reviewing regulations and inspection processes for opportunities to streamline requirements and reduce red tape without compromising patient protections.

The SNJDC extends its appreciation to Commissioner Washington, Cathleen Bennett, the hospital executive panelists, Amy Mansue, Aaron Chang, and Dr. Jennifer Khelil, and the SNJDC’s Health Care Committee co-chairs: Brittany Bonetti of Cooper Levenson, Matt Brown of Inspira Health and Marcella Cassanelli of NK Architects. The Council also thanks title sponsor Inspira Health, the event’s additional sponsors and all attendees for supporting this important regional conversation.