On October 16th, Governor Hochul announced $2.6 billion in capital and operating awards for six projects under the Health Care Safety Net Transformation Program. This program, under Part S of the Health and Mental Hygiene bill in the 2024-25 Enacted New York State Budget, is designed to offer a single structure through which safety net hospitals may access the funding and regulatory flexibility needed to undergo transformation projects. Projects aim to improve care, achieve sustainability, and encourage clinical partnerships. Awards may include capital funding, operating subsidies, or a combination of both. Applicants may also request waivers of state regulations if needed to more efficiently implement projects.
Earlier this year, the Governor announced the first projects awarded under this program (see here). This round includes investments in the following safety net hospitals and partners:
- Arnot Ogden Medical Center and Cayuga Health
- Crouse Hospital and Northwell Health
- Erie County Medical Center and University of Buffalo Physicians Group
- Maimonides Medical Center and NYC Health + Hospitals
- St. John’s Riverside and Montefiore Health System
- Westchester Medical Center, Bon Secours Charity System, and Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley
The Governor’s press release is available here. Additional information on the Safety Net Transformation Program is available here.