HANYS Leadership Visits Blythedale for Policy Discussion

This week we were grateful for the opportunity to host leaders from the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) for a focused policy discussion centered on the complex care needs of medically fragile children and the urgent action needed to support the hospitals and professionals who serve them.

Blythedale President Larry Levine and senior leaders from HANYS, including President Bea Grause, and Blythedale discussed the potential impact of HR 1 and proposed Medicaid funding changes beyond 2026, and enforcement challenges with Chapters 170 and 816 - the New York State laws drafted by and lobbied for by Levine that are designed to ensure commercial insurance covers medically fragile children appropriately. In addition, the group discussed the deepening crisis in private duty nursing, and the need for legislation to address pay parity, better training, and quality oversight, as well as Levine’s continuing efforts to address Medicaid’s denials and delays of vital assistive technology for children discharged from the hospital.

As Levine prepares for the Children’s Hospital Association CEO Fly-In in Washington, D.C. next month, which will include a one-on-one with Senator Chuck Schumer, his message is clear: Every child deserves equitable, timely access to the care they need, regardless of how or where their insurance is structured.

Our guests from HANYS toured Blythedale’s inpatient units and had the opportunity to speak with a parent and hear firsthand about how her medically fragile son has benefited from Blythedale’s comprehensive services.

Thank you to HANYS for your continued partnership and advocacy.