Schumer, Gillibrand: Oswego Health Will No Longer Be Forced To Operate With One Hand Tied Behind Its Back

Statement

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved a New York State plan that would allow Oswego Health to receive the critical federal funding it needs through the Vital Access Provider (VAP) Program, which helps safety net health care providers that are struggling financially. Specifically, Oswego Health will receive $3 million -- $1.5 million from the federal government to match funds received from NY State.

Schumer and Gillibrand explained that the amendment, put forth by New York, proposed allowing Oswego Health to receive additional federal funding -- which would match the state investment -- to cover an increase in inpatient psychiatry rates, Medicaid indigent care pool funds and the removal of the 2 percent across-the-board Medicaid payment reduction. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) had previously approved the amendment. However, in order for Oswego Health to receive this federal funding, the plan needed to be approved by CMS. Schumer and Gillibrand pushed CMS to approve this proposal so Oswego Health would no longer have to operate with one arm tied behind its back.

"Oswego Health provides invaluable services to thousands of Central New York's most vulnerable each year, but they were forced to do this while operating with one hand tied behind their back. This critical health center is a vital asset on the front lines of providing critical access to medical care for those who need it most, and it was about time this funding was released. I am pleased CMS heeded our call to break through the bureaucratic morass and approved New York's application, which will ensure Oswego Health has the resources it needs to continue providing high-quality care to its patients," said Senator Schumer.

"Oswego Health is a lifeline for thousands of families in Central New York," said Senator Gillibrand. "The medical services it provides saves countless lives and we must do everything we can to help this health center continue to provide first-rate care to the public. This secured funding will help facilitate the necessary resources to keep the doors open and ensure it remains a vital healthcare provider in the community."

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