Op-Ed: How Hospitals Fared in State Budget

Suburban Hospital Alliance of NYS president/CEO Wendy Darwell looks at how hospitals fared in the final 2023 – 2024 state budget. From increased Medicaid rates to an absence of codified workforce flexibilities, the budget offers wins and losses. Read More …

State to Reallocate Covid-19 Vaccine to Other Categories

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Monday that the state would shift unused Covid-19 vaccine that had been originally designated for hospitals and nursing home staff to other categories of residents eligible for the vaccine. He said the state Department of Health  would review hospitals with Read More …

UPDATE: Vaccine Program Expands to Essential Workers, Over-75s

Updated: Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced a plan Friday night to expand the Covid-19 vaccination program starting Monday to essential workers and people 75 and older. The governor said that the state has established a network of additional distribution sites that will supplement the work being done in Read More …

Hospitals Told to Expand Capacity if Covid-19 Surge Continues

New York State Health Commissioner Howard Zucker  issued a letter Wednesday to hospital administrators on directives  to expand to hospital capacity during the Covid-19 epidemic. On Dec. 7, hospitals were directed to expand capacity by 25 percent, and directed to expand by an additional 25 Read More …

Restaurants Could Face New Covid-19 Limitations, Cuomo Says

 Restaurants could face more restrictions if the Covid-19 hospitalization rate isn’t stabilized or reduced, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said Monday. “If after 5 days a region’s hospital rate has not stabilized, indoor dining will close or be reduced. In New York City, indoor dining Read More …

Coronavirus Updates: Medicare Expands Telehealth Coverage

Medicare is temporarily expanding  coverage of telehealth services to respond to COVID-19 Medicare recipients can use telehealth services for common office visits, mental health counseling and preventive health screenings. This will help ensure Medicare beneficiaries are able to visit with their doctor from their home, Read More …

Testing Appointments Available; State Looks to Add Medical Professionals for Surge

Updated: New York State’s Department of Health is seeking to expand the number of medical professionals available to respond to the growing number of coronavirus patients. It is asking qualified retired and other professionals who are interested in responding to the epidemic to complete this Read More …