Health care providers protest against Cuomo’s proposed Medicaid cuts

March 06-- Mar. 6--ALBANY -- Thousands of health care providers protested Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's proposed reductions to Medicaid spending in Albany and throughout the state Tuesday.

With "some cuts never heal" as the mantra, those rallying decried a proposal to reduce the state's Medicaid spending by $567 million in the 2019-20 fiscal year and by $1.3 billion over the next two years. Last year, $68.5 billion was spent on Medicaid by the state.

For nursing homes, the impacts of the proposed cuts total over $400 million for the 2019-20 state fiscal year and more than $800 million over the next two years. Ambulance services would have an estimated loss of $14 million per year.

In response, the Healthcare Association of New York State organized the rally to show the "devastating reduction" of vital health care support if the Medicaid proposal is approved.

"Each cut lessens critical funding support that hospitals, health systems and nursing homes need and depend on to provide quality healthcare services all New Yorkers deserve," the association stated in a news release.

Representatives from Samaritan Medical Center and Clifton-Fine Hospital were present in Albany for the rally, while Carthage Area Hospital employees had a walkout at 2 p.m. in recognition of the protest.

If the cuts are approved, Samaritan Medical Center estimates its first-year loss at $552,000, and its combined total for Samaritan Keep Home and Samaritan Summit Village at $2 million. Clifton-Fine Hospital expects a loss of $150,000. Carthage Area Hospital would lose more than $277,000 over two years if the budget cuts are enacted.

Lori M. Everard, dietetic assistant at Carthage Area Hospital, said she participated in the walkout today to support those who can't afford insurance.

"I am blessed where I have good insurance, but for these poor people who are working, trying to make ends meet, and can't afford insurance, we have to do something," Ms. Everard said.

Additionally, Ms. Everard said, if the proposal is approved the hospital will be forced to cut positions.

"Our hospitals will have no choice but to cut staff positions," Ms. Everard said. "Our communities cannot afford to lose these jobs and our patients cannot afford to lose access to the quality care they deserve."

Local ambulance services also participated in the rally, including Guilfoyle Ambulance Service, Town of Watertown Ambulance, Indian River Ambulance, Thousand Island Emergency Rescue Service, Gouverneur Rescue Squad and RB Lawrence Ambulance Company.

The United New York Ambulance Network worked in conjunction with the association to raise awareness about the elimination of Medicaid crossover and supplemental funding in the budget proposal. Last week, the network sounded the alarm about the impending collapse of the statewide ambulance industry if crucial Medicaid and Medicaid reimbursement funding is not reinstated in the 2019-2020 state budget.

Bruce G. Wright, president and CEO of Guilfoyle Ambulance Service, said each of the local services participating sent an ambulance to Albany to circle the Capitol building, while paramedics were also involved in the rally.

Mr. Wright said the emergency medical services statewide are incredibly fragile as it is, so cuts like this aren't plausible.

"This would be completely devastating," Mr. Wright said. "You're talking about fewer ambulances on the roads and detrimental outcomes for sick and injured patients."

Regardless of type of care, the association stressed that cuts of this magnitude will not heal.

"Cuts to Medicaid affect everyone's care. Policymakers must understand the devastating impact these reductions would inflict," the association stated.

Aside from protests, the association is asking state residents to contact their local legislators and urge them to reject the funding cuts.

The association will also be hosting another large rally in Albany on March 19, following four other rallies across the state.

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