A new report shows that in New York hospital spending has tripled, while the quality of care has continued to decline. In 2020, the average family premium paid per employee was a staggering $26,000 – the highest rate in the country.
But what’s even more alarming is that these increased prices aren’t translating to better care.
At Albany Medical Center Hospital, emergency room wait times are among the longest in the nation.
In addition, 90% of upstate hospitals are at unsafe staffing levels. This is unacceptable, especially considering the exorbitant costs.
Hospital consolidation is a significant driver of these higher prices. When hospitals merge, they demand higher reimbursement rates from payers, resulting in increased costs for patients. Hospitals are the main driver behind rising healthcare costs. In fact, a study by America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) found that $0.40 of every $1 spent in healthcare goes towards hospital costs.
It’s time to hold New York hospitals accountable for their egregious practices. Patients deserve better than paying top dollar for subpar care.