Mahwah, NJ — As Medicaid cuts loom nationwide, Spectrum Care Management & Counseling(Spectrum CMC) is breaking new ground with the appointment of the first dedicated in-house Senior Medicaid Specialist. The role was created to help families navigate the high stress and complex processes surrounding Medicaid to help reduce service delays and ensure uninterrupted access to critical services for autistic and developmentally disabled adults across New Jersey.
Each year, approximately 2,000 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities age out of the state’s school system. For many families, Medicaid determines whether essential therapies, housing, and day programs can continue uninterrupted. Nearly 80% of services for this population are funded by Medicaid.
Unlike traditional case management or government specialists focused on compliance, Spectrum CMC’s updated model establishes Medicaid expertise directly into its person-centered care. This proactive approach not only ensures stability, advocacy, and faster results for disabled individuals but also significantly improves the ability to analyze case records, resolve denials, and coordinate with state agencies to guide families through complex applications and eligibility disputes.
This embedded support makes Spectrum CMC one of the first New Jersey Support Coordination agencies dedicating a specialist solely to Medicaid navigation.
Benni Versaci, Spectrum CMC’s Founder and President, recalls countless conversations with distraught caretakers unable to keep up with the deadlines, paperwork, and regulations regarding Medicaid coverage.
“Medicaid is a lifeline for so many families, but at the same time, it’s their biggest source of frustration and defeat. It’s like being up against a constantly changing obstacle course where, without proper guidance, they are almost guaranteed to fail. I started Spectrum CMC to guide these families on a path to success, and by adding a Senior Medicaid Specialist, we are taking those efforts to another level.”
With more than a decade of specialized experience in New Jersey Medicaid eligibility and case management, Danielle Lloyd, brings expertise from the Board of Social Services to help families navigate complicated applications, redeterminations, and transitions.
With today’s announcement, her appointment is effective immediately.
The new Senior Medicaid Specialist will:
- Assist with initial Medicaid eligibility applications.
- Manage redetermination and renewal processes.
- Help families understand documentation requirements.
- Prevent disruptions in services due to lapses in Medicaid coverage.
- Guide families through Medicaid-related transitions (e.g., parental retirement, loss of benefits, changes in eligibility).
- Educate families on the different types of Medicaid, including SSI/SSDI, ABD, WorkAbility, and related programs.
- Conduct in-home visits for clients who need in-person assistance.
- Coordinate with state government agencies to resolve eligibility issues.
As the Senior Medicaid Specialist, Lloyd will also work closely with support coordinators and clinicians, assisting families with eligibility paperwork, renewals, and waiver enrollment, while also providing in-home support when needed. The position will also lead staff training to ensure the organization stays ahead of evolving Medicaid policies.
“My goal is to simplify the process, advocate for families, and make sure no individual loses services because of red tape,” said Danielle Lloyd, the newly appointed Senior Medicaid Specialist. “This is a dream job, because I get to apply my expertise to help those in need get the services and resources they deserve to live a productive life.” “Families should not have to bounce between agencies to keep crucial services in place. By integrating highly skilled Medicaid expertise directly into our team, we are preventing coverage gaps, expanding access to vital services and resources, and giving families peace of mind,” Versaci concluded.
About Spectrum Care Management & Counseling
Spectrum Care Management & Counseling LLC is a New Jersey-based provider specializing in services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as aging adults seeking comprehensive care planning. Founded in 2005, the company currently supports more than 1,300 clients across the state, offering tailored services that empower individuals and strengthen families. For more information, visit SpectrumCMC.com