February 20, 2014
By Neal Tepel, LaborPress Publisher
New York, NY – New York State was successful in achieving a medical waiver from the Federal government. This will allow for the utilization of 8 Billion Dollars to improve and maintain patient-centered primary care services across the state.
With 2.3 million people throughout New York State lacking sufficient access to primary care, the waiver and funding is a starting point. It must be combined with capital investment in primary care infrastructure.
Presently only 5 percent of healthcare spending in the state goes to primary care. Obviously much more is needed for the survival of this critical service to communities. In fact, New York's primary care shortage is the chief reason the state has one of the highest rates of avoidable hospital use and cost in the country.
We must transform our healthcare system Into an up-to-date quality medical patient-care network that is adequately funded for the long haul. Strategies must be developed that will allow our healthcare systems to remain financially strong and serve communities now and in the future.
