Cuba Memorial Hospital Receives $3.3 Million in Support from New York State

For Release: Immediate, December 4, 2014

Funding follows designation as a Critical Access Hospital

CUBA- Senator Catharine M. Young (R,I,C- Olean) announced great news for the region following Cuba Memorial Hospital’s completion of the hospital’s final mortgage payment. The mortgage payment comes as a result of the hospital receiving state support of just over $3.3 million under its designation as a Critical Access Hospital.

"It’s wonderful for our residents that Cuba Memorial Hospital has received $3,347,463 in support as part of the New York State’s Interim Access Assurance Fund (IAAF) and Vital Access Providers (VAP) programs," said Young. "Under the IAAF and VAP program health care facilities like Cuba Memorial will receive support to continue providing key health coverage to areas with extremely limited healthcare options, by facilitating access to care for geographically isolated and under-represented residents.

"As part of this year’s budget process I strongly advocated for the full funding of the VAP and IAAF programs so that residents in rural communities across the state could continue to receive quality healthcare. Congratulation go to everyone at Cuba Memorial who are working hard to provide quality healthcare to our community."

Facilities chosen to receive funding from the IAAF and VAP programs are deemed Critical Access Hospital under the federal guidelines, meaning they extensively serve Medicaid and uninsured individuals. As part of this year’s state budget, Senator Young helped secure $5 million in VAP funding for hospitals designated as Critical Access Hospitals.

"Senator Young has been very supportive of this Hospital and a champion of rural health to our region. Without her support, we would not be making this announcement today. Cuba Memorial Hospital incorporated on June 25, 1925. This historic move will continue the legacy of Cuba Memorial to allow this Hospital to serve the needs of the greater Cuba area and surrounding communities for years to come. We are proud to serve in our capacity as a Critical Access Hospital and honored to call Senator Young our friend. Additionally, we would also like to thank Assemblyman Joe Giglio and Congressman Tom Reed for their continued support and attention to this facility. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Administration, the patients, resident elders and employees of Cuba Memorial Hospital, thank you ," said Andrew Boser, Chief Executive Officer for Cuba Memorial Hospital.

"Today's announcement from Cuba Memorial is exciting news for the future of healthcare coverage in our community. The facility is a tremendous asset for residents and I applaud Andrew Boser and Senator Young for their efforts in securing this funding," said Assemblyman Joseph Giglio.

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