NYSNA Update: August 21, 2026
NYSNA Pushes Back on New Mount Sinai Policy Denying Care to Patients with Public Insurance Plans
This week, after learning that Mount Sinai has stopped accepting some new patients on public insurance, NYSNA released the following statement:
“NYSNA is appalled by Mount Sinai’s refusal to accept certain new patients with public insurance plans. Federal healthcare cuts already threaten our most vulnerable patients — children, seniors, people with disabilities, immigrants and lower income New Yorkers — as well as our struggling public and safety net hospitals. As a nonprofit healthcare system, Mount Sinai has a responsibility to serve all patients. As one of the wealthiest systems in New York, Mount Sinai can afford to serve all patients rather than forcing some patients to seek care at struggling hospitals that already serve a disproportionate number of vulnerable patients. Hospitals should never withhold care or use patients as bargaining chips in negotiations with insurance companies.
“Mount Sinai must clarify their policy on new patients. Mount Sinai pulled information on their website about not accepting some new patients only after reporters found it. We urge Mount Sinai hospital administrators to allow these patients to make appointments and receive care and to fulfill your obligation to serve patients regardless of insurance status, including Medicare and Medicaid coverage.”
NYS DOH Launches Investigation at UVMH-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
Last week, the New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) Clinical Staffing Unit launched an investigation at University of Vermont Health-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (UVMH-CVPH). For months, nurses have been filing staffing complaints with the DOH, as hospital administrators have failed to address their concerns and attempted to make staffing less safe during contract negotiations. NYSNA members on the Clinical Staffing Committee met with investigators during their visit and asked them to remind management that they are required to share the results of the investigation with the committee and work collaboratively on solutions. As a result, CVPH’s Chief Nursing Officer sent an email to members confirming that the DOH report will be shared when it’s received. Great work, CVPH members, your dedication and consistency in filing complaints is pushing the DOH to hold hospital administrators accountable!
Brooks Memorial Members Attend Groundbreaking Ceremony for New State-of-the-Art Facility
On Thursday, Aug. 13, NYSNA members from Brooks Memorial Hospital joined hospital executives and Governor Kathy Hochul to break ground on a brand-new state-of-the-art hospital in Fredonia. The new hospital, which will replace the current Brooks facility in Dunkirk, comes after years of hard work and dedication by NYSNA and 1199 SEIU members who fought for the state to follow through with new hospital funding to keep care local and ensure safe, quality patient care for their community. Congratulations, Brooks members!