Andrea Emerson works as an instructional designer focusing on benefits and entitlements for LIFEPlan CCO NY and Advanced Care Alliance New York (ACA/NY). She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland in 2007. Emerson is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities live as independently and purposefully as possible. She has worked for the last 16 years in various roles within the human services field. Prior to joining LIFEPlan CCO NY in 2020, she served as a claims representative at the US Social Security Administration. Emerson has a seven-year-old daughter with disabilities and has a personal devotion to the members she serves. It is essential to Emerson that she helps members find a way to reach their personal goals, including employment.

Emerson provides instruction to care managers on benefit and entitlement-related issues. She assists members and families in navigating the complicated world of benefits, which includes Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and HEAP. She was recently recognized as the Support Department Staff of the Year in her current role for the advocacy and knowledge she provides to care managers, members, and their families. She currently works with individuals with developmental disabilities through the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and has extensive experience working with individuals who have traumatic brain injuries through the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver as well.