Finger Lakes Region
Social Care Network
At Forward Leading IPA, we understand that staying healthy isn’t just about medical care—it’s also about having the support you need in daily life. Our Social Care Network (SCN) helps eligible Medicaid members (individuals enrolled in Medicaid insurance coverage) connect to services like housing, food, and transportation—because everyone deserves access to the resources that help them thrive.
Our Mission
The mission of WeLinkCare by FLIPA is to improve the health and well-being of people by building an integrated network to connect them to the resources and support they need at the right time and right place.
Our Vision
We aim to reduce health disparities and drive health equity by providing essential social care services as part of the health care ecosystem through strong partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local stakeholders.
The Social Care Network brings together health care providers, mental health and substance use providers, professionals, care managers, and community organizations to offer extra support when it’s needed. By connecting medical care with everyday resources, we’re here to help Medicaid members people across the Finger Lakes region live healthier, more stable lives.
The Social Care Network collaborates with community partners to identify individuals in need, connect them to appropriate resources they qualify for, and provide ongoing support. We believe in a transparent and sustainable model that focuses on empowering our community by investing directly in capacity building for our partners.
We proudly serve Medicaid Members across several counties across the Finger Lakes region including:
- Allegany
- Cayuga
- Chemung
- Genesee
- Livingston
- Monroe
- Ontario
- Orleans
- Schuyler
- Seneca
- Steuben
- Wayne
- Wyoming
- Yates
Get Services
Need Help? For more detailed information and to find resources near you, visit our SCN Find Help page. Here, you can access a wide range of services, from housing support to mental health resources, tailored to meet your individual needs.
To submit a self-screen regarding your health-related social care needs please fill out the Self Screen Form. This information will be shared with WeLinkCare and you will be contacted to discuss your responses and determine next steps.
Services Offered
Social Care Networks are connecting Medicaid Members who qualify to temporary services like housing supports, food and nutrition assistance, transportation, and navigation to social care services. These services contribute to Members’ overall health and well-being.
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What is WeLinkCare?
- WeLinkCare is the name of the Social Care Network in the Finger Lakes region.
- WeLinkCare is supported by Forward Leading IPA (FLIPA) who is NYS’ Social Care Network Lead Entity.
- WeLinkCare is a group of agencies committed and approved to provide Health Related Services Needs (HRSN) services to qualified Medicaid Members.
- WeLinkCare uses the FindHelp website to complete screenings, eligibility assessments, and connect Members to HRSNs.
Am I eligible?
- WeLinkCare provides services to all Medicaid Members regardless of age.
- Active Medicaid enrollment is required.
- All Medicaid Members are qualified for and are encouraged to receive an HRSN screening every year and/or when they experience a major life event.
- WeLinkCare supports Members with determining their eligibility and need for HRSNs. Eligibility details can be found here.
- eHRSN are provided to Members who are found eligible after completing an eligibility assessment.
What services are provided?
Screening, Navigation, standard, and enhanced HRSN services. HRSN services are those for Housing, Food, and Transportation needs.
Who provides the services?
- WeLinkCare’s Partner Agencies’ trained staff facilitate screening, navigation, and/or the health-related social needs services (HRSNs) to qualified Members.
- Screeners and/or Navigators complete the required screening, eligibility assessment, and assist with navigating standard and enhanced HRSNs and connecting members directly to the Housing, Food, and Transportation services.
Do I have to pay? How much does it cost?
- No, you do not need to pay. Services are provided free of charge to active Medicaid Members. You will not have to pay any money out of pocket. Services are billed to and paid for by Medicaid Fee for Service and Medicaid Managed Care to organizations providing services.
What if I have more questions?
If you have more questions, you can:
- Review the NYS’ Social Care Network page at Social Care Networks
- Email We Link Care at welinkcare@forwardleadingipa.org,
- Call 1-888-808-1845 (WeLinkCare)
Glossary of Key Terms
Health-related social needs (HRSNs):
Social and economic needs that can impact a person's health and well-being. Examples include lack of stable or affordable housing, lack of access to healthy food, lack of access to transportation, financial strain and/or unemployment, and personal safety.
HRSN service providers:
Organizations that provide services to meet individual needs around food, housing, transportation, and other social and/or economic needs. These can include local community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, government entities, health care providers, and private sector entities. In New York State, HRSN Service Providers also refers to entities that contract with a SCN to deliver a specific set of services to qualifying Medicaid Managed Care members and may be reimbursed for those services via the NYHER 1115 Waiver Demonstration.
HRSN care providers:
Organizations that provide health care services to individuals including primary care providers, behavioral health providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), health homes, health systems / hospital systems, etc. Health care providers will be key ecosystem partners in the SCN program, with an objective of better integration of health care and social care through stakeholder convening and a shared data / IT layer.
Social Care Network:
A network comprised of HRSN service providers, Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs), health care providers, and other organizations that contract with an SCN Lead Entity and may be reimbursed for
services authorized by the 1115 Waiver.
Enhanced HRSN services:
Services that help meet members' HRSNs, can improve health outcomes, and are reimbursable for qualifying members via SCNs.
Are you ready to make a significant impact in your community?
If your organization is driven to address health-related social care needs and you're looking to collaborate with a network of committed partners, WeLinkCare by FLIPA invites you to join our Finger Lakes Social Care Network (SCN).
Our Social Care Network unites community organizations to pinpoint those in need, link them to suitable resources, and ensure continuous support. Our approach is transparent and sustainable, focusing on enhancing community capacity through direct investment in our partners.
Concerns?
If you are a Medicaid Member who has a concern or complaint, please contact the WeLinkCare Concern Line at concern@forwardleadingipa.org
Our Governing Body
Mai AbdullahExecutive Director |
David AndreineExecutive Director |
Dr. April AycockExecutive Director |
Brandon BeuterCommunity Advocate |
Sherita BullockExecutive Director |
Dr. Linda L. ClarkPresident & CEO |
Michele FosterExecutive Director |
Lindsay Gozzi-TheobaldPresident & CEO |
Eve HosfordVice President, Chief Administrative Officer |
Renee HungerfordExecutive Director/CEO |
Beatriz LeBronExecutive Director |
Jacqueline LyttleVP, Strategic Initiatives & RRC Employment |
Wendy ParisiSenior Director, Health Equity |
Kelly ReedPresident & CEO |
Karen RogersOwner/Founder |
Jennifer SahrleExecutive Director |
Irene SanchezExecutive Director |
Doug SinclairDirector |
Jim SmithExecutive Director |
Van SmithFounder/Executive Director |
Eileen TiberioCommissioner |
Jerome UnderwoodPresident & CEO |
Valerie WayPresident/CEO |
Mary ZelaznyCEO |
Ready to get involved or learn more?
Contact Us
Reach out to us today at welinkcare@forwardleadingipa.org or call