Health Funders Affinity Group: Strategy for Ensuring Access to Care in New Jersey

The H.R.1 Health Care Access Workgroup in New Jersey is a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing the impacts of H.R.1, also known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill," on health care access.

This session will highlight findings from the H.R.1 Health Care Access Workgroup, presented by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and Parker Family Health Center. The discussion will focus on projected coverage losses, system pressures, and practical strategies to maintain access to care for vulnerable populations.

H.R.1 is expected to result in significant Medicaid coverage loss, increased uninsured rates, and growing strain on providers and safety net systems. At the same time, there are clear opportunities for coordinated action to reduce avoidable harm and strengthen New Jersey’s response.

During this session, you will:
Hear key insights from cross-sector leaders and frontline providers
Understand where coverage disruptions are most likely to occur
Explore actionable strategies that can be implemented in the near term
Discuss where philanthropy can play a meaningful and timely role

This is an important opportunity to engage directly with peers and partners and to help shape a coordinated response at a critical moment for New Jersey.

Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $95 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.

Suzy Dyer, Esq., Executive Director, Parker Family Health Center
Suzy Dyer joined Parker Family Health Center in December 2019. Suzy joined Parker from Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey where her roles included Chief Philanthropic, Legal & Regulatory Affairs Officer, and most recently Chief Legal Affairs & Compliance Officer. Previously, Suzy was an Assistant US Attorney in the District of New Jersey. Prior to that she was an associate in the commercial litigation and bankruptcy departments at Winston & Strawn LLC in New York, NY. She received her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Today, Suzy chairs the Red Bank Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and sits on the YMCA Advisory Council, the National Association of Free Clinics Advisory Committee, the Ocean/Monmouth Health Alliance Leadership Council, the New Jersey Department of Health Equity Working Group, and the JBJ and Pilgrim Baptist Warming Center Steering Committee. Suzy is the Board Chair of the Greater Newark Conservancy and sits on the Borden Foundation Board. Under Suzy’s leadership, the Parker clinic recently completed an extensive construction and renovation project, adding a two-story addition to the clinic and nearly doubling the existing facility space. In 2024, Suzy was awarded both the Human Dignity Award by the YMCA of the Jersey Shore and the Community Partner Award from the VNA Health Group. In 2025, Suzy received the Planning Merit Award from the Monmouth County Planning Board.

Linda Schwimmer, President and CEO, Quality Institute
As President and CEO, Linda Schwimmer leads the Quality Institute’s work and advances its vision of a world where everyone receives safe, equitable, and affordable health care. Linda is a leading voice in health care quality and health care equity in New Jersey. She regularly advises leaders in the State’s legislative and executive branches on health care policy. Linda also is a noted national advocate for patient safety and health care quality. Linda serves as Chair of the Leapfrog Group’s board of directors, a national patient safety advocacy group. She also serves as board Vice Chair for Parker Health Group, Inc., a not-for-profit, aging services organization committed to empowering older Americans. Previously, Linda served on the board of the National Quality Forum (NQF), and most recently served on Governor Mikie Sherrill’s transition team on health. Before joining the Quality Institute, Linda worked in all three branches of government across state and federal levels, experience that supports her work to drive sustainable policy change. She also worked in the private sector, including serving on the leadership team of Horizon Healthcare Innovations, a subsidiary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. Linda served as Director of Legislation and Policy for the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and in counsel positions with the New Jersey Senate Majority Office. For over a decade, she practiced ERISA, bankruptcy, and commercial law, representing the federal government, individuals, and businesses. Linda received a B.A. with honors from the University of California, Berkeley, and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.