Manatt Expands Affordable Coverage Capabilities With Former NYS Department of Health Director

Lisa Sbrana has extensive experience leading New York’s health insurance programs and advancing health system reform at the state and local levels

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, a multidisciplinary, integrated professional services firm, today announced the arrival of Lisa Sbrana as Partner and Senior Advisor to the Firm’s Health Care industry group in New York. Recently serving as Director of the Division of Eligibility and Marketplace Integration (DEMI) within the New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) Office of Health Insurance Programs and as the Director of the Office of Marketplace Counsel with NY State of Health, Sbrana brings robust knowledge of subsidized coverage programs and affordability—with an emphasis on Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces and Basic Health Program —to the Firm’s nationally renowned health care team.

“As we continue to work with states that are leading the transformation of health care coverage and delivery, we’re thrilled to welcome Lisa and her unique perspective as public official, lawyer and consultant, which will be of immense value to our clients,” said Manatt CEO and Managing Partner Donna L. Wilson. “Lisa’s impressive senior leadership experience paired with her background in state health policy will further position us to support our clients’ efforts in improving access to care across the nation.”

Sbrana’s practice focuses on helping clients navigate state and federal health policy, with a particular emphasis on Medicaid and Marketplace policy, planning and operations. She has worked on Marketplace implementation and compliance matters including contracts, memorandums of understanding, privacy and security, compliance with federal and state law, regulations, and guidance. Sbrana also has considerable experience advising various stakeholders—such as federal, state and local government partners, advocates and health plans—on Medicaid and CHIP coverage policies, the Basic Health Program, both Section 1115 and Section 1332 waivers, and developing creative solutions to expand affordable health coverage.

“Lisa has been a trusted leader supporting health care organizations and federal and state policymakers on efforts that drive innovation, address barriers to health care coverage and advance health outcomes,” said Manatt Health Leader Bill Bernstein. “Her experience helping industry stakeholders navigate business, regulatory and operational challenges make her a strong addition to our team as we continue helping clients drive and respond to federal and state Medicaid, CHIP and Marketplace policy initiatives.”

As the former Director of DEMI, Sbrana oversaw the NY State of Health’s (NYSOH) Customer Service Center to help provide information, application and enrollment assistance for all public health insurance programs and Qualified Health Plans offered through the Marketplace, including those provided by more than 5,000 community-based assistors. She also oversaw the Medicaid functions handled by 58 local departments of social services (LDSS) and management of Medicaid-related disability determinations, third-party coverage claims, liens and recoveries. Before joining DEMI, Sbrana was the Director of the Office of Marketplace Counsel for NYSOH, where she oversaw Marketplace legal staff and the development and operation of the Appeals Unit.

“Manatt has always impressed me with its unique approach to client service and its desire to advance health care coverage, access and quality across the nation,” said Sbrana. “I am passionate about continuing to innovate our health care system across the country and look forward to collaborating with my new legal and consulting colleagues as we partner with clients to improve access and affordability.”

Sbrana joins the Firm’s expanding roster of legal and consulting professionals across the Firm’s core practices, including Health Care (Heide Bajnrauh, Axel Bernabe, Robert (Rob) Fraiman, Seth Frazier, Eric Gold, Paul Irving, Dr. Tracy Johnson, Lauren Polak, Thomas (Tom) Robertson and Mark Wietecha); Digital and Technology (Tim Andrews and Lisa W. Rosaya); Entertainment (Binta Niambi Brown, Bill D'Angelo); and Litigation (Justin Wolosz, Randy S. Grossman and Dylan Carson).

Earlier in her career, Sbrana was a policy analyst, in which she was integral to the development and establishment of New York’s Marketplace. She also previously represented low-income New Yorkers with The Legal Aid Society’s Civil Practice, including serving as the Supervising Attorney of the Society’s Health Law Unit, where she supervised attorneys, paralegals and administrative staff. Her practice included impact litigation, development of health care policy and representation of individual clients denied access to health care benefits and/or services.

Sbrana earned her J.D. from the City University of New York School of Law and her B.S. from the University of the Pacific.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is a leading professional services firm, providing integrated legal and consulting services to a global client base. With offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and Silicon Valley), New York (New York City and Albany), Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Boston, the Firm represents sophisticated clients — including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies — across a range of industry sectors such as health care; financial services; entertainment; digital and technology; and energy, environmental and real estate. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.

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