State health officials abruptly cut off payments and talks with two struggling North Country hospitals this summer, threatening their survival, according to Times Union. Rep. Elise Stefanik claims Gov. Kathy Hochul did it to score political points — and warns a shutdown could come within days.
State Sen. Mark Walczyk says the hospitals were in regular talks with the Health Department until August, when meetings and funds stopped without explanation. The state denies wrongdoing and says the hospitals failed to submit required documents, like audited financials and payroll details.
North Star Health, which manages Claxton-Hepburn and Carthage hospitals, says the delay could stop them from making payroll for 1,700 workers. Hochul’s office calls the claims “baseless” and notes $142 million has already been allocated.
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