State Legislature Again Fails to Support Long Island’s Largest Safety Net Hospital On Budget
UNIONDALE, NY – Nassau Health Care Corporation President and CEO, Meg Ryan released the following statement in response to the NYS Senate and Assembly releasing their one-house budget proposals today, that would increase the state budget by billions of dollars, but again failed to include any resources for Nassau University Medical Center. The State has intentionally starved NUMC of key resources for the last five years, cutting its annual aid from more than $180 million in 2019 to $0 in 2024. Under current leadership, NUMC has made significant financial reforms to cut costs, increase revenue, reduce its deficit, augment services, and improve ratings and certifications without the layoffs recommended by the State’s failed fiscal watchdog NIFA.
“You can’t say that healthcare is a human right and then play politics with the future of the only facility that serves everyone regardless of their ability to pay. It should be deeply troubling to everyone who lives in Nassau County that the State would fail to fulfill its legal obligations to support our hospital. Legislators are well aware that our unique mission requires some aid, and that due to our financial reforms, NUMC is seeking less than in years past. Those are facts that are not in dispute.
“They were well aware that this hospital serves our most at-risk communities, minorities, immigrants and Medicaid recipients and again intentionally chose not to stand up for us. Apparently members of the legislature think no one is watching or will hold them accountable. Time will tell. Nassau residents should know that this appears tainted with the worst kind of party politics and efforts to cover up the State’s Medicaid scam that has starved NUMC of resources for years.
“On behalf of the more than 3600 physicians and staff of NUMC and the more than 270,000 patients we serve every year, we would like to acknowledge those legislators who had the courage to publicly support our hospital, including Senators Rhoades, Martins, Weik, and Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick; Assembly members Ra, Mikulin, Blumencranz, McDonough, Durso, Norber and Brown. We appreciate the courage of Assembly member, Steve Stern, the only Democrat to openly advocate for NUMC thus far in this process. Everyone else was missing in action. It’s sad and unconscionable.”
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About Nassau University Medical Center: Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) is a leading healthcare provider dedicated to delivering comprehensive, high-quality medical services to the residents of Nassau County and beyond. As a Level I Trauma Center, NUMC is equipped with cutting-edge facilities and a highly skilled medical team, offering a broad spectrum of services including advanced emergency care, specialized surgeries, and expert outpatient treatments. As a key teaching hospital affiliated with prominent medical schools in the region, NUMC plays a critical role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals. With a strong focus on patient-centered care, innovation, and community outreach, NUMC is committed to improving the health and well-being of all its patients.