Nassau Standard

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, alongside Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) workers and leadership, held a rally in Albany urging Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislative leaders to include crucial funding for NUMC in the 2025-2026 New York State Budget. Despite its critical role as Nassau County's only safety net hospital and Level One Trauma Center, NUMC has not received state aid or distressed hospital funds for the past two years.

The hospital serves a vulnerable population with over 80% of patients on Medicaid, Medicare, or uninsured. Although it applied for all available funding opportunities, NUMC did not receive any state aid for 2024 or 2025. This is despite New York State's recent allocation of a $2.2 billion Medicaid waiver to other safety net hospitals in New York City and Westchester County.

NUMC's leadership has implemented financial reforms that reduced the operating deficit by over $100 million. However, without state support, maintaining operations remains challenging. Advocates are calling on the state to rectify this oversight by including dedicated funding for NUMC in the upcoming budget.

"New York State cannot continue to turn its back on NUMC—this crisis demands immediate action," said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. "Nassau Needs NUMC—losing it would be catastrophic."

Senator Steve Rhoads emphasized the importance of NUMC as a "critical lifeline" and urged leaders to provide equitable support: "It is imperative that the governor and legislative leaders put politics aside... The 1.4 million residents of Nassau County deserve equitable support."

Megan Ryan, NHCC President, CEO, and Chief Legal Officer highlighted that despite an increase in the state budget and other hospitals receiving aid, "the $0 NUMC received last year in state grants is totally unacceptable." She called for fair treatment under historical allocations.

The rally underscores a pressing need for financial commitment from New York State to ensure continued healthcare services at Nassau University Medical Center.