News

An OpEd written by Michael C. Backus, President & CEO, Oswego Health

For 144 years, Oswego Health has been proud to care for the people of Oswego County. As the county's only independent, nonprofit, sole-community hospital-led health system, we don’t answer to shareholders—we answer to you, our neighbors. Every dollar we earn is reinvested into expanding access, modernizing services, and ensuring quality care close to home.

But make no mistake: that care is under threat.

Like many healthcare systems across New York and the nation, Oswego Health faces historic financial pressure. Costs are rising sharply, driven by inflation, workforce shortages, and supply chain constraints, while reimbursements remain stagnant. The recently passed New York State budget does not adequately address the growing gap between the cost of care and the resources available to provide it.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our mission. We continue to pursue operational efficiencies and long-term sustainability strategies to safeguard care for today and future generations.

Now, we face a far more devastating threat: a near $880 billion reduction in federal funding for Medicaid over the next decade coming from Washington.

This proposal would be catastrophic for communities like ours.

According to the New York State Department of Health, these cuts would result in a $13.4 billion annual loss to our state. Hospitals alone would lose at least $1.3 billion per year. In Congressional District 24, we stand to lose an estimated $12 million in critical funding every year.

These are not just abstract numbers on a balance sheet. They translate directly into fewer services, longer wait times, job losses, and reduced access to the care you and your family depend on. The impact would be especially severe for rural hospitals, independent community providers, federally qualified health centers, and under-resourced public health departments.

All of this comes as our industry is still grappling with the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are being asked to do more with less, while the demand for healthcare only increases.

Despite it all, we have continued to invest in the future. Over the past five years, Oswego Health has committed more than $50 million to improving and expanding services. We've enhanced emergency care, recruited new physicians, and launched innovative community-based programs—all in response to the needs of our patients.

But make no mistake: these proposed federal cuts could severely limit our ability to invest in future care and services.

That’s why I’ve taken our concerns directly to lawmakers in Albany and Washington, D.C. I’ve personally met with Rep. Claudia Tenney, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand to advocate for the resources we need to continue serving this community. Their support is vital, and they must hear from you.

So, I’m asking if you value having quality care close to home, delivered by people who live in, understand, and care deeply about this community, now is the time to act.

Contact your elected officials. Tell them what local healthcare means to you. Urge them to oppose any cuts to Medicare and Medicaid funding. Support policies prioritizing rural and community hospitals and preserving access to care for everyone.