Hospital Leaders React as Chairman Garbarino Helps Advance FEMA COVID Reimbursements

WASHINGTON, D.C.- New York's leading hospital systems and health care associations are responding to FEMA's decision to begin releasing long-overdue COVID-19 reimbursement funds for hospitals and other emergency expenses across the state, following sustained engagement from House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino.

After years of delays, more than $2 billion in emergency expenses incurred during the pandemic are now being obligated, providing long-awaited relief to hospitals that were on the front lines of the public health crisis.

"I've been in close contact with our hospitals and with FEMA to help move this process forward," said Chairman Andrew Garbarino. "These funds are critical to strengthening our health care system and ensuring our communities are prepared for whatever challenges come next. I appreciate our continued partnership as we work to get every dollar delivered."

Leaders from hospital systems and health care associations across the state shared the following:

"New York's hospitals incurred billions in emergency expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic to save as many lives as possible. After years of delays-and thanks to the dogged efforts of House Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino-the process for our hospitals to finally receive their long-overdue FEMA funds is underway. I am deeply grateful to Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and unwavering commitment to freeing up these critically important funds", said Kenneth E. Raske, President, Greater New York Hospital Association.

"The COVID-19 pandemic was an immense challenge for healthcare providers large and small, including Northwell Health. Now, $267 million is finally being reimbursed and on its way to Northwell Health thanks to Chairman Andrew Garbarino, who fought tirelessly to ensure New York health systems are reimbursed for the significant financial burdens incurred while providing essential care to our communities," said John D'Angelo, President and CEO of Northwell Health. "We are profoundly grateful for his extraordinary and unwavering support of healthcare, and for advocating on behalf of the communities who rely on these vital services every day."

"New York's hospitals were on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the nation in responding to an unprecedented public health crisis," said Healthcare Association of New York State President Bea Grause, RN, JD. "Billions in federal FEMA reimbursement have been owed to many of our hospitals for several years, impacting their ability to recover from the fiscal devastation of the pandemic. As chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Chairman Garbarino knows firsthand the important role New York's hospitals play in responding to crises. HANYS is deeply grateful to Chairman Garbarino for his leadership and determination in ensuring all our hospitals are fully reimbursed for their heroic efforts."

"We are grateful to Congressman Garbarino for his steadfast support in securing the release of these critical FEMA reimbursements for New York healthcare systems," said Patrick M. O'Shaughnessy, DO, MBA, president and CEO of Catholic Health and Chair of the HANYS Board of Trustees. "At a time of significant fiscal challenges for healthcare providers, this funding provides meaningful relief and helps ensure we can continue delivering high-quality care to the communities we serve."

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, New York's hospitals rose to meet an unprecedented public health emergency, incurring billions of dollars in extraordinary expenses to protect lives and care for patients under the most challenging conditions imaginable," said Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Mount Sinai Health System."Thanks to Chairman Garbarino for his commitment to ensuring hospitals receive these critical resources."

"This reimbursement from FEMA is essential to helping the hospitals recover from the financial pressures created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for the release of this long-awaited reimbursement to the State, which strengthens all of our ability to care for the communities we serve",said Dr. Brian G. Donley, President and CEO at NewYork-Presbyterian.

"NYU Langone Health is grateful to Chairman Garbarino for his outstanding leadership in securing this final round of COVID-19 reimbursement funds for hospitals all across the state," saidNYU Langone Communications, Marketing, Government and Community Affairs Executive Vice President, Elizabeth Golden. "His continued support for health care in New York is deeply appreciated and benefits all New Yorkers."