KINGSTON – State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D, Kingston) said Tuesday that while he is glad to see the apparent settlement between Westchester Medical Center on behalf of Kingston’s Health Alliance Hospitals and Empire Blue Cross-Blue Shield over reimbursement rates for policy holders, “this critical situation went on for far too long.”
The last contract between the two entities expired on May 31, 2016.
Cahill said he reached out to all parties several times, engaged state agencies and pursued state legislative solutions.
The assemblyman said the failure of other local leaders to fight as aggressively for a resolution as he did “undoubtedly extended the stalemate.” He said he “tried, often without result, to impress upon other local government officials the importance of joining me in this fight.”
Ulster County Executive Michael Hein said that while he cannot speak for other officials, Cahill has not spoken to him about the issue during the entire 14-month timeframe.
Cahill said, “Given the uncertainty coming out of Washington, it is more important than ever that these mutual goals are met – quality and affordable health care – be achieved through cooperation of our providers, insurers, our community and consumers.”
