Debra A. Silverman

Partner/Director
Debra A. Silverman

Debra A. Silverman

Partner/Director

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Debra A. Silverman is the Chair of Garfunkel Wild’s Managed Care Practice Group. She represents hospital systems, teaching and community hospitals, faculty practice plans and physician group practices, with an emphasis on managed care contracting, health care delivery networks, accountable care organizations, clinical integration, physician arrangements, antitrust and regulatory matters.

Along with administering the firm’s managed care group, Debra handles direct negotiations with major managed care organizations (including Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, CIGNA, United Healthcare and EmblemHealth as well as Medicare and Medicaid managed care plans) for fee-for-service, accountable care and full-risk arrangements.  A frequent lecturer for the Healthcare Financial Management Association, Debra was also a contributing author of the New York Health Law Update.  Debra has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America every year since 2016, and has been named a “Super Lawyer” each year since 2014.  She graduated cum laude from Princeton University and received her JD degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.

June 6, 2024|Firm News

Garfunkel Wild’s Healthcare Rankings Rise Again in Chambers USA 2024

Garfunkel Wild continues to expand its Healthcare practice and lawyer recognition in Chambers USA 2024 annual rankings of America’s top law firms and lawyers. 

September 22, 2023|Firm News

Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Recognized as 2023 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Garfunkel Wild attorneys have once again been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2023 edition of Super Lawyers.

August 17, 2023|Awards

38 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Named Among the Best Lawyers in America

Thirty-Eight Garfunkel Wild attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.  

June 1, 2023|Awards

Garfunkel Wild Continues to Increase Health Care Rankings in 2023 Edition of Chambers USA

Garfunkel Wild continues to increase its Health Care practice and lawyer recognition in Chambers USA 2023 annual rankings of the foremost law firms and lawyers in the country. 

March 8, 2023|Media Mentions

Debra Silverman Quoted in Financial Times Health Payer Specialist Article, “Inflation Intrudes on Payer-Employer Contracts”

Debra Silverman is quoted in the Financial Times Health Payer Specialist article, “Inflation Intrudes on Payer-Employer Contracts.”

September 29, 2022|Awards

33 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Named 2022 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Thirty-Three Garfunkel Wild attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers, and 2022 New York Metro/Upstate New York Rising Stars.

August 18, 2022|Awards

35 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Recognized In 2023 Best Lawyers In America List

Thirty Five Garfunkel Wild attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America® guide and the Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list.  In addition, Partner Jason Y. Hsi was honored as “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of Litigation – Health Care Law.

June 22, 2022|Awards

Garfunkel Wild Continues to Increase its Healthcare Rankings In Chambers USA 2022

Garfunkel Wild continues to increase its Healthcare practice and lawyer recognition in Chambers USA 2022 annual rankings of the foremost law firms and lawyers in the country. Chambers & Partners conducts research that includes thousands of interviews with clients and peers, and determines rankings based on select criteria, including legal knowledge, experience, client service and effectiveness.

December 20, 2021|Awards

Crain’s New York Business Recognizes Debra Silverman As Notable Women In Law

Crain’s New York Business Recognizes Debra Silverman As Notable Women In Law

September 30, 2021|Awards

Thirty-Six Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Named 2021 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Thirty-Six Garfunkel Wild attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in 2021 New York Metro Super Lawyers, and 2021 New York Metro/Upstate New York Rising Stars.

August 19, 2021|Awards

27 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Recognized In 2022 Best Lawyers In America List

27 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Recognized In 2022 Best Lawyers In America List

October 28, 2020|Awards

Thirty-Six Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Named 2020 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Thirty-Six Garfunkel Wild attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in 2020 New York Metro Super Lawyers, and 2020 New York Metro/Upstate Rising Stars.

August 20, 2020|Awards

2021 Best Lawyers In America® Lists Recognize 18 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys, Names One “Lawyer Of The Year”

2021 Best Lawyers In America® Lists Recognize 18 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys, Names One “Lawyer Of The Year”

February 3, 2020|Media Mentions

Debra Silverman Quoted In Skilled Nursing News Article Entitled “SNF Providers Could Find Managed Care Relief By Banding Together in IPAs” February 2020

Debra Silverman Quoted In Skilled Nursing News Article Entitled “SNF Providers Could Find Managed Care Relief By Banding Together in IPAs” February 2020

January 16, 2020|Firm News

Debra Silverman Named Head of Garfunkel Wild’s Health Care Group

Debra Silverman has been named leader of Garfunkel Wild’s Health Care Group. Garfunkel Wild, with its 85 lawyers and four offices in Great Neck, NY; Hackensack, NJ; Stamford, CT and Albany, NY, is one of the premier law firms with a specialty in Health Law. For over 40 years, Garfunkel Wild’s Health Care Group has provided […]

September 13, 2019|Awards

Thirty-Four Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Named 2019 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Thirty-Four Garfunkel Wild attorneys were selected by their peers for inclusion in 2019 New York Metro Super Lawyers, and 2019 New York Metro Rising Stars.

August 15, 2019|Awards

Garfunkel Wild Partner/Directors Named to Best Lawyers in America® for 2020

Twelve Garfunkel Wild Partner/Directors were selected by their peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for 2020. 

August 15, 2024|Firm News

38 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Named in Best Lawyers in America 2025

Garfunkel Wild received prominent recognition in the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch. A total of 38 attorneys were honored with 59 individual recognitions across various practices and offices nationwide. Additionally, 3 Garfunkel Wild attorneys were distinguished as Lawyer of the Year, an accolade awarded to only one […]

October 24, 2024|Firm News

36 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys Recognized as 2024 Super Lawyers, Rising Stars

Super Lawyers has recognized 36 Garfunkel Wild Attorneys across a range of the firm’s practice areas to the 2024 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

October 30, 2024|Events

11th Annual ASC and Health Care Management Symposium

Garfunkel Wild's 11th Annual ASC and Health Care Management Virtual Symposium is dedicated to the most important business, legal, clinical, and operational issues facing the ASC and health care management community.

October 22, 2024|Alerts

NYS Department of Health Pauses Implementing New Patient Consent Requirements

On October 18, 2024, the New York State Department of Health issued guidance pausing implementation of Public Health Law §18-c, a new law that prohibits providers from obtaining a patient’s consent to pay for any health care service prior to the patient receiving the service.

September 26, 2024|Alerts

New York Enacts Alarming Patient Consent Requirements

NYS Public Health Law 18-c, a new law set to become effective on October 20, 2024, will prohibit providers from obtaining a patient’s consent to pay for any health care services prior to the patient receiving services.

September 10, 2024|Alerts

Federal Rule Released to Address Mental Health Coverage Parity

This week, the Federal Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services (the Departments) released final rules strengthening consumer protections for patients seeking mental health and substance use disorder treatments.

April 17, 2024|Events

HHS-OIG’s Plan for Oversight of Managed Care Programs: How the New Plan Impacts Providers

This Health Care Compliance webinar session will review HHS-OIG’s recently issued strategic plan for oversight of Medicare Managed Care and discuss the impact these initiatives could have on providers who participate in Medicare Advantage plans. 

February 15, 2024|Alerts

Hospitals Should Consider Legal Action to Resolve Medicare Advantage 340B Drugs Underpayments

Despite the United States Supreme Court’s finding that the reduction of Medicare reimbursement rates for 340B outpatient drugs was unlawful, Medicare Advantage organizations (“MAOs”) maintain that they have no similar responsibility to make hospitals whole.  

February 9, 2024|Events

HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter – 2024 Revenue Cycle Academy

Garfunkel Wild's Debra A. Silverman will present at the HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter - 2024 Revenue Cycle Academy on February 9, 2024.

November 16, 2023|Events

The Federal No Surprises Act – Its Impact on Florida Physicians

On January 1, 2022, the Federal No Surprises Act (NSA) went into effect to protect patients from surprise bills for out-of-network services but the law’s impact on physicians has been significant. Join us as we walk you through what you need to know about the NSA.

August 22, 2023|Alerts

CMS Releases Updated Request for Applications for New Making Care Primary Model

On August 14, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a request for applications for the Making Care Primary (MCP) Model, its newest innovation program aimed at improving patient care by supporting the delivery of advanced primary care services

January 20, 2023|Publications

Federal No Surprises Act – 2023 Enforcement Of The Good Faith Estimate For Convening Providers And Facilities

The No Surprises Act requires providers and facilities to provide uninsured or self-pay individuals with a good faith estimate (“GFE”) of expected charges for a scheduled or requested item or service. 

April 5, 2022|Alerts

New York Lifts Suspension of Nursing Home Staffing/Minimum Spending Requirements

Governor Kathy Hochul re-instated provisions in the State Public Health Law (Sections 2895-b[3] and 2828[1]). The New York State Department of Health (DOH) later notified nursing home administrators that these two provisions are in “full effect” as of April 1, 2022.

Additional speaking & writing

Speeches and Events

  • “Keys To Successful Payer Contracting,” 8th Annual ASC & Healthcare Management Complimentary Virtual Symposium (October 28, 2021)
  • “Getting Paid: Skills for Negotiating Managed Care Contracts,” Leading Age Annual Meeting and Expo (October 24, 2021)
  •  “Optimizing Payor Contracts: How to Proactively Address Future Obstacles,” Healthcare Financial Management Association (April 14, 2021)
  • “How Providers Collect Revenue During Covid And Beyond,” 7th Annual ASC & Healthcare Management Complimentary Virtual Symposium (November 18, 2020)
  • “A Comprehensive Overview of Medicare Advantage,” LeadingAge New York Financial Professionals Virtual Annual Conference (September 9, 2020)
  • “COVID-19 Billing for Telemedicine Services and Q&A Session,” Garfunkel Wild Webinar (March 25, 2020) “Implementing and Expanding Telehealth to Address COVID-19,” Garfunkel Wild Webinar (March 19, 2020)
  • “IPAs & Managed Care – What Nursing Homes Need to Know for 2020,” Garfunkel Wild Webinar (January 29, 2020)
  • “Surprise Billing Laws: How to Protect Your Organization and Your Patients,” LeadingAge New York Financial Professionals Annual Conference (September 11, 2019)
  •  “Managed Long Term Care Value Based Payment Contracting,” LeadingAge Community Health Care Services Foundation, Inc. (CHC) Webinar (September 10, 2019)
  •  “Long-Term/Post-Acute Care Collaborations with Hospitals, Physicians and Managed Care Plans,” Healthcare Financial Management Association’s (HFMA) 18th Annual Healthcare Conference (May 22, 2019)
  •  “Value-Based Payment Models in Action,” LeadingAge New York Annual Conference & Exposition (May 21, 2019)
  •  “Understanding Value Based Payments,” New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Webinar (February 27, 2019)
  • “Fighting Commercial Third Party Payor Audits: Lessons Learned from Experience,” Nassau County Bar Association Hospital and Health Law Committee (January 4, 2018)

Publications

  • Co-author, AHLA Health Plans Contracting Handbook: A Guide for Payers and Providers (8th Edition), American Health Lawyers Association, March 2021

 

Debra A. Silverman is the Chair of Garfunkel Wild’s Managed Care Practice Group. She represents hospital systems, teaching and community hospitals, faculty practice plans and physician group practices, with an emphasis on managed care contracting, health care delivery networks, accountable care organizations, clinical integration, physician arrangements, antitrust and regulatory matters.

Along with administering the firm’s managed care group, Debra handles direct negotiations with major managed care organizations (including Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, CIGNA, United Healthcare and EmblemHealth as well as Medicare and Medicaid managed care plans) for fee-for-service, accountable care and full-risk arrangements.  A frequent lecturer for the Healthcare Financial Management Association, Debra was also a contributing author of the New York Health Law Update.  Debra has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America every year since 2016, and has been named a “Super Lawyer” each year since 2014.  She graduated cum laude from Princeton University and received her JD degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.

April 17, 2024

HHS-OIG’s Plan for Oversight of Managed Care Programs: How the New Plan Impacts Providers

This Health Care Compliance webinar session will review HHS-OIG’s recently issued strategic plan for oversight of Medicare Managed Care and discuss the impact these initiatives could have on providers who participate in Medicare Advantage plans. 

February 15, 2024

Hospitals Should Consider Legal Action to Resolve Medicare Advantage 340B Drugs Underpayments

Despite the United States Supreme Court’s finding that the reduction of Medicare reimbursement rates for 340B outpatient drugs was unlawful, Medicare Advantage organizations (“MAOs”) maintain that they have no similar responsibility to make hospitals whole.  

August 22, 2023

CMS Releases Updated Request for Applications for New Making Care Primary Model

On August 14, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a request for applications for the Making Care Primary (MCP) Model, its newest innovation program aimed at improving patient care by supporting the delivery of advanced primary care services

April 5, 2022

New York Lifts Suspension of Nursing Home Staffing/Minimum Spending Requirements

Governor Kathy Hochul re-instated provisions in the State Public Health Law (Sections 2895-b[3] and 2828[1]). The New York State Department of Health (DOH) later notified nursing home administrators that these two provisions are in “full effect” as of April 1, 2022.

January 20, 2023

Federal No Surprises Act – 2023 Enforcement Of The Good Faith Estimate For Convening Providers And Facilities

The No Surprises Act requires providers and facilities to provide uninsured or self-pay individuals with a good faith estimate (“GFE”) of expected charges for a scheduled or requested item or service. 

November 16, 2023

The Federal No Surprises Act – Its Impact on Florida Physicians

On January 1, 2022, the Federal No Surprises Act (NSA) went into effect to protect patients from surprise bills for out-of-network services but the law’s impact on physicians has been significant. Join us as we walk you through what you need to know about the NSA.

February 9, 2024

HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter – 2024 Revenue Cycle Academy

Garfunkel Wild's Debra A. Silverman will present at the HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter - 2024 Revenue Cycle Academy on February 9, 2024.

September 10, 2024

Federal Rule Released to Address Mental Health Coverage Parity

This week, the Federal Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services (the Departments) released final rules strengthening consumer protections for patients seeking mental health and substance use disorder treatments.

September 26, 2024

New York Enacts Alarming Patient Consent Requirements

NYS Public Health Law 18-c, a new law set to become effective on October 20, 2024, will prohibit providers from obtaining a patient’s consent to pay for any health care services prior to the patient receiving services.

October 30, 2024

11th Annual ASC and Health Care Management Symposium

Garfunkel Wild's 11th Annual ASC and Health Care Management Virtual Symposium is dedicated to the most important business, legal, clinical, and operational issues facing the ASC and health care management community.

October 22, 2024

NYS Department of Health Pauses Implementing New Patient Consent Requirements

On October 18, 2024, the New York State Department of Health issued guidance pausing implementation of Public Health Law §18-c, a new law that prohibits providers from obtaining a patient’s consent to pay for any health care service prior to the patient receiving the service.

October 30, 2024|Events

11th Annual ASC and Health Care Management Symposium

Garfunkel Wild's 11th Annual ASC and Health Care Management Virtual Symposium is dedicated to the most important business, legal, clinical, and operational issues facing the ASC and health care management community.

October 22, 2024|Alerts

NYS Department of Health Pauses Implementing New Patient Consent Requirements

On October 18, 2024, the New York State Department of Health issued guidance pausing implementation of Public Health Law §18-c, a new law that prohibits providers from obtaining a patient’s consent to pay for any health care service prior to the patient receiving the service.

September 26, 2024|Alerts

New York Enacts Alarming Patient Consent Requirements

NYS Public Health Law 18-c, a new law set to become effective on October 20, 2024, will prohibit providers from obtaining a patient’s consent to pay for any health care services prior to the patient receiving services.

September 10, 2024|Alerts

Federal Rule Released to Address Mental Health Coverage Parity

This week, the Federal Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services (the Departments) released final rules strengthening consumer protections for patients seeking mental health and substance use disorder treatments.

April 17, 2024|Events

HHS-OIG’s Plan for Oversight of Managed Care Programs: How the New Plan Impacts Providers

This Health Care Compliance webinar session will review HHS-OIG’s recently issued strategic plan for oversight of Medicare Managed Care and discuss the impact these initiatives could have on providers who participate in Medicare Advantage plans. 

February 15, 2024|Alerts

Hospitals Should Consider Legal Action to Resolve Medicare Advantage 340B Drugs Underpayments

Despite the United States Supreme Court’s finding that the reduction of Medicare reimbursement rates for 340B outpatient drugs was unlawful, Medicare Advantage organizations (“MAOs”) maintain that they have no similar responsibility to make hospitals whole.  

February 9, 2024|Events

HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter – 2024 Revenue Cycle Academy

Garfunkel Wild's Debra A. Silverman will present at the HFMA Metropolitan New York Chapter - 2024 Revenue Cycle Academy on February 9, 2024.

November 16, 2023|Events

The Federal No Surprises Act – Its Impact on Florida Physicians

On January 1, 2022, the Federal No Surprises Act (NSA) went into effect to protect patients from surprise bills for out-of-network services but the law’s impact on physicians has been significant. Join us as we walk you through what you need to know about the NSA.

August 22, 2023|Alerts

CMS Releases Updated Request for Applications for New Making Care Primary Model

On August 14, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a request for applications for the Making Care Primary (MCP) Model, its newest innovation program aimed at improving patient care by supporting the delivery of advanced primary care services

January 20, 2023|Publications

Federal No Surprises Act – 2023 Enforcement Of The Good Faith Estimate For Convening Providers And Facilities

The No Surprises Act requires providers and facilities to provide uninsured or self-pay individuals with a good faith estimate (“GFE”) of expected charges for a scheduled or requested item or service. 

April 5, 2022|Alerts

New York Lifts Suspension of Nursing Home Staffing/Minimum Spending Requirements

Governor Kathy Hochul re-instated provisions in the State Public Health Law (Sections 2895-b[3] and 2828[1]). The New York State Department of Health (DOH) later notified nursing home administrators that these two provisions are in “full effect” as of April 1, 2022.

Additional speaking & writing

Speeches and Events

  • “Keys To Successful Payer Contracting,” 8th Annual ASC & Healthcare Management Complimentary Virtual Symposium (October 28, 2021)
  • “Getting Paid: Skills for Negotiating Managed Care Contracts,” Leading Age Annual Meeting and Expo (October 24, 2021)
  •  “Optimizing Payor Contracts: How to Proactively Address Future Obstacles,” Healthcare Financial Management Association (April 14, 2021)
  • “How Providers Collect Revenue During Covid And Beyond,” 7th Annual ASC & Healthcare Management Complimentary Virtual Symposium (November 18, 2020)
  • “A Comprehensive Overview of Medicare Advantage,” LeadingAge New York Financial Professionals Virtual Annual Conference (September 9, 2020)
  • “COVID-19 Billing for Telemedicine Services and Q&A Session,” Garfunkel Wild Webinar (March 25, 2020) “Implementing and Expanding Telehealth to Address COVID-19,” Garfunkel Wild Webinar (March 19, 2020)
  • “IPAs & Managed Care – What Nursing Homes Need to Know for 2020,” Garfunkel Wild Webinar (January 29, 2020)
  • “Surprise Billing Laws: How to Protect Your Organization and Your Patients,” LeadingAge New York Financial Professionals Annual Conference (September 11, 2019)
  •  “Managed Long Term Care Value Based Payment Contracting,” LeadingAge Community Health Care Services Foundation, Inc. (CHC) Webinar (September 10, 2019)
  •  “Long-Term/Post-Acute Care Collaborations with Hospitals, Physicians and Managed Care Plans,” Healthcare Financial Management Association’s (HFMA) 18th Annual Healthcare Conference (May 22, 2019)
  •  “Value-Based Payment Models in Action,” LeadingAge New York Annual Conference & Exposition (May 21, 2019)
  •  “Understanding Value Based Payments,” New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ Webinar (February 27, 2019)
  • “Fighting Commercial Third Party Payor Audits: Lessons Learned from Experience,” Nassau County Bar Association Hospital and Health Law Committee (January 4, 2018)

Publications

  • Co-author, AHLA Health Plans Contracting Handbook: A Guide for Payers and Providers (8th Edition), American Health Lawyers Association, March 2021

 

Education
J.D.,
University of California, Hastings College of the Law,
1985,
  • cum laude
,


B.A.,
Princeton University,
1982,
  • cum laude
,
Bar Admissions

New York

Court admissions

New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
  • New York State Bar Association;
  • American Bar Association (Health Law Section)
  • American Health Law Association
AWARDS & RANKINGS
  • Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business –  Healthcare (2022-2024)
  • Best Lawyers in America® – Health Care Law (2016-2025)
  • Super Lawyers – New York Metro (2014-2024)
  • Long Island Business News – Outstanding Women in Law (April 2017)
  • Long Island Business News – Who’s Who in Women in Professional Services (October 2011)
  • Long Island Business News – Ones to Watch – Law (July 2008)
  • Long Island Business News – Ones to Watch (September 2007)