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Garnet Health is working to finalize an affiliation with Montefiore Health System by the end of 2025. The planned agreement aims to enhance healthcare access and services for over 500,000 residents in Orange and Sullivan counties. However, the deal faces scrutiny from local officials and healthcare unions concerned about potential impacts on care quality, costs, and jobs.
Congressman Pat Ryan has emphasized the need for guarantees that the affiliation will not lead to reduced care, increased costs, or layoffs. He has previously criticized Optum Health's acquisition of Crystal Run Healthcare for monopolistic practices. Similar concerns are echoed by Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson, who has introduced bills to limit such practices and ensure fair market conditions for smaller medical providers.
Garnet Health assures that the affiliation is not an acquisition and expects it to improve clinical services and specialty care access. However, Angela Lane of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East noted that Garnet Catskill has already lost services, highlighting the importance of maintaining essential care and jobs.
The affiliation requires regulatory approval, and the New York State Department of Health has not yet received the necessary applications. Garnet Health is still in the due diligence phase and anticipates completing the agreement by year-end. The regulatory process could take up to two years to complete.