Meeting of the
CONSUMERS COMMITTEE
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
M I N U T E S
Committee Members Present: John Schoepp (Co-chair), Marcelo Maia (Co-chair), Charmaine Graham (Consumer-at-Large), David Klotz (Governmental Co-chair), Lisa Best, Gus Angelopoulos, Asia Betancourt, Paul Carr, Lawrence Francis, Newton Francis, Yves Gebhardt, Adanna Joels, David Martin, Javier Sanchez, Annette Tomlin, Rob Walker
Staff Present: Michael Navejas, Abraham Omeyoma, Doienne Saab
Guests Present: Rachel Schwartz, Tracy Leong-Pelrine, Jacqueline Dudley, Tommy Shi
Agenda Item 1: Welcome/ Moment of Silence/Minutes
John opened the meeting and welcomed attendees. David M. led with a moment of silence, giving thanks for the work of the Planning Council.
The minutes of March 17, 2026 were approved with no edits.
Agenda Item 2: Presentation—Federal Policy Changes: Implications for
Health Care Access in NYC
Rachel noted that these changes primarily affect adults ages 19–64 without children and without disabilities, as well as parents of children age 14 and older. More broadly, she explained that Medicaid enrollees may experience reduced funding, limited retroactive coverage, and new work requirements for parents of children older than 14.
She emphasized that these Medicaid changes are especially significant for people with HIV, as Medicaid is the largest source of insurance coverage for this population in the U.S. Any loss of coverage can disrupt access to HIV treatment and care.
Tracy then joined the discussion and outlined health care options available to uninsured New Yorkers, including services at all NYC Health + Hospitals locations, federally qualified health centers, and the NYS Department of Health’s Uninsured Care Programs. She also underscored that public health clinics provide services regardless of immigration status.
Tracy provided an overview of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which offers monthly benefits through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) and serves low‑income families. She explained that SNAP is administered by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Tracy also addressed upcoming changes to SNAP eligibility for immigrants, which will be limited to lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), Cuban and Haitian entrants, and select individuals from other designated countries.
Effective March 1, 2026, SNAP benefit changes will apply to able‑bodied adults without dependents, adults ages 19–64 without children and without physical or mental health conditions, and parents of children ages 14 and older. Exceptions include, but are not limited to, parents, guardians, or caregivers of children age 13 or younger. Individuals not exempt include, but are not limited to, veterans and some individuals experiencing homelessness. For people living with HIV, updates to HRA exemption status are forthcoming.
Rachel and Tracy concluded their presentation by sharing resources for New Yorkers and providing their email addresses, encouraging members to follow up with any specific questions.
Rob, Marcelo, Lisa, John, and others asked follow‑up questions during the discussion. Rachel and Tracy reiterated that members are welcome to email them and that they would respond with additional information as needed.
Agenda Item 3: HASA and SNAP Benefits Update
Jacqueline Dudley, Executive Deputy Commissioner of the HASA program and member of the Planning Council, along with Tommy Shi, Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Eligibility and Benefits at HASA, presented on HASA and upcoming SNAP benefit changes. Jacqueline offered brief opening remarks before introducing Tommy, who provided more detailed information.
Tommy explained that HASA anticipates only a small portion of its caseload will be required to comply with the new work requirements. He clarified that the requirements apply to ABAWDs (Able‑Bodied Adults Without Disabilities). Within HASA, he noted that approximately 273 cases, representing 208 unique individuals, would be affected.
He described the process for requesting a medical exemption, which can be completed by a clinician, and provided members with the online exemption application. Tommy also noted that participation in work training programs or volunteer activities may count toward meeting work requirements.
Several members asked follow‑up questions. Lawrence emphasized that even if the number of affected HASA clients is small, these individuals still need strong advocacy. Lisa raised concerns about Tri‑County, noting that the region does not have the same resources or benefits as NYC, and requested a tailored presentation for Tri‑County residents. Yves asked whether volunteering—specifically participation in consumer advisory boards—could qualify as an exemption from work requirements. Tommy responded that he was unsure, as he does not oversee that specific program.
Agenda Item 4: Other Items
Abraham reminded members about the National Community Call taking place on Wednesday, April 22 at 5 PM, noting that it is a collective effort focused on advocating for immigrants and their rights. He also introduced the idea of offering a Mental Health First Aid training for members. The Committee responded positively to the suggestion.
Laura shared information about the Stand Up Against Street Harassment training, which provides practical tips on how to safely intervene and support individuals experiencing harassment.
Michael and Abraham then discussed the upcoming AIDS Walk and encouraged members to express their interest in participating.
During the discussion, Doienne shared two helpful resources:
• The New York Immigrant Family Unity Project, which provides free legal services
• Make the Road’s deportation defense manual
Additional topics raised included the ongoing banner issue and concerns related to gift card distribution.
Agenda Item 5: Immigrant HIV Health Subcommittee Update
Michael provided a brief update on the work of the Immigrant HIV Health Subcommittee. He shared that, as a follow‑up to the immigrant health survey, the subcommittee is developing a palm card with a QR code that will direct immigrants to the nyhiv.org website. From there, individuals will be able to access resources such as food pantries, shelters, immigration services, and other support programs.
Paul suggested inviting an undocumented community member to a future subcommittee meeting to help inform the group’s work and ensure their concerns are represented. Marcelo asked for an update on the Immigrant Health Survey. Michael noted that the final results will be presented at the next Consumers Committee meeting on May 19.
David then provided an update on gift cards, a topic several consumers had been asking about. He shared that the cards will soon be available to members.
Agenda Item 6: Public Comment
Yves expressed his frustration about feeling the need to carry his passport given the current political climate. David M. asked whether there were any plans for a June 5 Long‑Term Survivor event. Michael shared that a project is currently in development and that more details will be provided soon.
Marcelo noted the observance of International Workers Day. Paul requested that when the Department of Health hosts World AIDS Day events, they consider offering tickets to Planning Council members, as he has never been able to attend.
Agenda Item 6: Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting of the Consumers Committee will be virtual, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 2-4pm via Zoom.
