May 17, 2024
Dr. Muhammed T. Javed, Upper Allegheny Health System board chair, joined other hospital and health care leaders who met with New York state elected officials at the U.S. Capitol in Washington to discuss ongoing issues in providing medical care in the state.
One topic that hospital leaders stressed was supportive funding and fiscal relief to help create financially sustainable facilities. With more than 75% of New York hospitals in financial distress because of lower Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements, it creates financial problems that are mounting. Several changes to reimbursements and other policies were addressed to show the impact on long-term financial success of hospitals.
“Health care is in an unusual position right now, and it’s not just here locally, but other hospitals throughout New York are feeling similar pressures,” Javed, who is also vice chair of Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), said. “These leaders continue to deal with workforce shortages as well as fiscal and reimbursement pitfalls.”
The board-certified nephrologist who has practiced in both Olean and Bradford, Pa., for nearly 30 years, said the meeting was important to bring awareness and gain support from political leaders to ensure our communities will have access to quality health care.
Among those in attendance were U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.; U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-23rd District; and other New York congressional members.
By addressing the workforce shortage and policies affecting it, health care systems can properly staff their facilities to continue to meet the needs of their communities, Javed noted. Also, with the spike in violence towards health care workers, creating a safe work environment for employees was another crucial subject touched on during the discussion.
Health care officials also discussed ways to create effective solutions to other barriers such as increasing access to behavioral health services to provide care for mental health patients across the state, enhancing innovation and transformation to improve overall health care access.
“A part of our role as hospital and health care leaders is advocating for our hospitals and shining a light on legislation that negatively impacts health care,” Javed said. “We all have the same goals — improving access for our communities and ensuring our health care systems are financially sustainable for future generations.”