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State cutbacks in health care will put stress on hospitals Dear Editor: The Governor is calling for reductions in Medicaid spending just at a time when thousands of Long Islanders are losing their jobs and the health insurance provided by those jobs. No one disputes the severity of the current economic crisis. However, his proposed Medicaid cuts to Long Island's hospitals will impede our very ability to care for all Long Islanders and this will create a crisis of another sort. Hospitals are still suffering from the budget cuts we endured in April and then again in August, when the Governor called a special legislative session and asked for another round of cuts. The November cuts would come just a few weeks before the Governor unveils his plans for reducing spending for the upcoming fiscal year. Nearly two-thirds of Long Island's hospitals operate within a razor thin operating margin of less than one percent. Further cuts to revenue will cause hospital administrators to eliminate or curtail programs, reduce staff, and take other corrective measures. This is not good for our local economy and communities. We hope the Governor and our elected representatives will be mindful of these consequences and work with us to solve this economic crisis Kevin Dahill, President/CEO
Nassau-Suffolk Hosptial Council The Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council represents Long Island's 24 not-for-profit and public hospitals.
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