PEP, May 2006: Speaking out to save hospitals

A coalition of DC 37 locals and health care activists continued their struggle against Gov. George E. Pataki’s Medicaid cuts and the plans of his Commission on the Health Care Facilities in the 21st Century to close hospitals.

As PEP went to press, the state Legislature and Gov. Pataki were going down to the wire in a fierce battle over the executive budget.

Rank-and-file union members and local presidents testified against hospital closings April 10 before the City Council’s Task Force on the State Advisory Commission on Health Care.

Barrington Jobson, Local 420’s chief shop steward at Kings County Hospital, spoke to the City Council on behalf of the local’s 9,000 members.

More hearings planned
“The City Council should pressure the State Advisory Commission on Health Care to examine why the hospitals are losing money,” said Jobson, who works as a Patient Care Associate. “One reason is the reimbursement rates. HHC hospitals receive $95 for an emergency room visit from Medicaid, a rate that has not changed since 1992, but the actual cost of care is closer to $400.”

The Legislature has attempted to increase emergency room Medicaid reimbursement rates by 50 percent, but the governor has rejected the proposal and has attempted to cut $1.3 billion from Medicaid.

Several more public hearings will take place during May and June. Members are urged to pack the City Council’s Task Force Hearing on Hospital Closings on May 4 from 6-9 p.m. at Queens Borough Hall.

Members can speak at the hearing if they contact Susan Chin at the DC 37 Political Action Dept. (212-815-1550) to register. Members are also urged to attend two other hospital hearings that will be held on May 11 and June 8 at 71 W. 23 St. in Manhattan.

Testifying at a March 28 City Council budget hearing, Local 420 President Carmen Charles said, “Closing more hospitals is not the answer.”

— Alfredo Alvarado