Prominent Jewish leaders join growing list of over 650 faith leaders statewide calling on the Governor to raise the Medicaid reimbursement rate to fully cover the cost of care for hospitals
New York, New York – Today, prominent Orthodox Jewish leaders signed on to an open letter calling on Governor Hochul to raise the Medicaid reimbursement rate to fully cover the cost of care for hospitals. This action builds on the support of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC), who urged Governor Hochul to end the Medicaid crisis earlier this week. Together, these leaders join a growing list of over 650 signees who have been advocating for an increase to the Medicaid reimbursement rate across the state.
Last Friday, these faith leaders joined thousands of New York healthcare workers and legislators in seven major cities across New York State to march in protest of Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget proposal that fails to fully fund Medicaid.
Their support comes as the countdown to the final New York State budget continues. Earlier this month, the New York State Senate and Assembly released their one-house budget resolutions, which include a crucial Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for hospitals and eliminate Governor Hochul’s proposed health care cuts. These and other provisions, if included in Governor Hochul’s final budget, would help stabilize New York’s financially struggling hospitals, strengthen the health care workforce, and help ensure that our most vulnerable communities receive the high-quality care they deserve.
Over seven million New Yorkers rely on Medicaid for their healthcare, the majority of whom come from Black and Latino communities. Even though Medicaid provides vital coverage to these New Yorkers, New York’s Medicaid program pays hospitals 30% less than the actual cost of care hospitals provide. This system endangers healthcare providers and the low-income patients, including seniors, children, mothers, and people with disabilities, who rely on them.
About the New York Alliance for Healthcare Justice
The New York Alliance for Healthcare Justice (NYAHJ) is dedicated to ensuring that Medicaid reimbursements cover the full cost of care, so that all New Yorkers have access to quality health care. NYAHJ is an initiative through the Healthcare Education Project (HEP), a community-based advocacy organization working to protect and expand access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans through education, advocacy, and coalition building. HEP is a joint effort of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and the Greater New York Hospital Association, founded in 1999.
