Statement by Gary J. Fitzgerald, president of IHA, on the "Safety Net" definition and the Medicaid Waiver

Upstate New York's Health Care Delivery System Should Also Be a Priority

CLIFTON PARK, NY (03/12/2014)(readMedia)-- "As the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continue their negotiations with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) on the terms and conditions, there are indications that the definition of "safety net" will exclude the majority of hospitals across Upstate New York. Many hospitals across Upstate are currently engaged in activities which will properly position them as health care reform continues. Despite decades of reduced government reimbursement, Upstate hospitals have survived and evolved as providers of acute care, long term care, and primary care. Narrowly defining a "safety net" provider limits the ability for Upstate New York to access $8 billion in funding. Specifically, Governor Cuomo and State Health Commissioner Shah have made the continuation of the delivery of quality health care in northern New York a state priority through the creation of the North Country Health System Redesign Commission. The "safety net" definition may exclude the hospitals across the North Country and the rest of Upstate New York. Communities in Upstate New York deserve access to transformative funds and this significant investment in New York State's health care delivery system."

The Iroquois Healthcare Alliance (IHA) is a nonprofit, regional trade association dedicated to serve as a resource and leader to support its 53 members in 31 counties of Upstate New York and the communities they serve, including all of the North Country. IHA devotes its resources to assist members through advocacy, education, information, cost-saving initiatives and business solutions.