Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

New Jersey Governor Holds Hospitals Hostage During State Budget Battle

New Jersey hospital CEOs just received a worrisome statement from state Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal alerting them that money they count on to pay the tab for uninsured patients and educating new doctors will be late, NJ Advance Media has learned.

New Jersey hospital CEOs just received a worrisome statement from state Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal alerting them that money they count on to pay the tab for uninsured patients and educating new doctors will be late, NJ Advance Media has learned.

On Tuesday, Elnahal told hospital executives in a conference call not to expect their mid-June payments from the charity care fund, which are shared among all 70 acute care hospitals in New Jersey based on how much care they provide to uninsured, low-income patients.

And the 43 hospitals won't receive their monthly share of the graduate medical education fund to support teaching programs, either, Elnahal said.

Gov. Phil Murphy recently announced he was freezing spending in the current budget or face ending the fiscal year in the red. 

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
Special Projects