A Message From Our Acting CEO
2025 is upon us. As we look back on 2024, we can be proud and appreciative of the strides we were able to achieve together in representing the needs of and expressing the challenges faced by hospitals in Upstate and rural New York. We must remain energized about the future and stand together to ensure our members get the resources needed to continue to serve their communities safely and effectively. There is much work to be done. As we take stock of where we are, we cannot forget the progress made with the increase in the Medicare Rural Wage Index, an additional $525 million in Medicaid payments allocated to hospitals, investment into the healthcare workforce through the 1115 Waiver, continuation of the Directed Payment Template (DPT) program, and more. All of which IHA strongly advocated. Although we cannot be sure of what 2025 has in store for us, I am confident that by maintaining our mission and remaining focused on our core values we will continue to make progress for the benefit our members.
In early December, we held another impactful press conference in partnership with the Upstate Assembly Delegation. We view this as our official start of the new 2025 session. It allows us to set the tone and agenda for our advocacy work. We laid out our priorities which include sustainable funding, measures to address the healthcare worker shortage, and investments in innovation.
We clearly communicated to the Governor and legislature that while there has been marginal improvement, we are miles away from where we need to be. Our work for the hospitals in Upstate and rural New York shall and must continue.
IHA’s priority is advancing the needs of our members to policymakers. In 2025 we will continue to forge ahead zealously in our work to improve the conditions for our members.
I thank you for the work you do to help us carry out our mission. Your contributions make the work that we do possible.