The Greater New York Hospital Association and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East are spending millions of dollars on a campaign to advocate for higher Medicaid reimbursement rates, according to a report from the Times Union.
The two organizations formed the Healthcare Education Project, which launched a $10 million ad campaign requesting Gov. Kathy Hochul tap into the state's reserves to increase Medicaid funding.
Last year, New York increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for the first time in more than 10 years, boosting rates 7.5%. However, there is still a 30% shortfall between hospital care provided and Medicaid reimbursement, according to the report. Advocates of the hospitals argue low reimbursements have led to decreased quality of care at safety-net hospitals.
The Greater New York Hospital Association and hospital advocates want Ms. Hochul's administration to boost rates for multiple budget cycles until the state covers 100% of the cost of care for Medicaid beneficiaries.