Brooklyn's Maimonides Medical Center will likely become part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system, city officials announced on Monday.
As part of the potential agreement, Maimonides, which has locations in Borough Park, Bay Ridge and Midwood, would receive $2.2 billion in state funding over five years and higher Medicaid reimbursements, a lifeline for a medical group that has been losing hundreds of millions annually.
“By bringing two storied health care systems together under one umbrella, we will ensure that Brooklynites, and all New Yorkers, can continue to receive the high-quality care that they deserve,” Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.
NYC Health + Hospitals’ Board of Directors on Nov. 20 voted unanimously to pursue a partnership, according to city officials. However, Maimonides trustees have filed a lawsuit to block the merger, arguing the city-run takeover would violate their duty to protect the hospital’s long-term interests and jeopardize the level of care the community relies on.
“This is an exciting opportunity for NYC Health + Hospitals and Maimonides, two institutions with their own respected history and traditions, but both committed to providing high-quality care for all New Yorkers,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mitchell Katz, MD. “All of our 11 hospitals have their own identity and culture, and Maimonides will retain its unique character and commitment to the communities it serves."
Officials said the merger allows Maimonides to adopt Epic, the electronic health record platform, and patient care will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
“Joining NYC Health + Hospitals will allow Maimonides to build on our history of providing outstanding specialty care to the communities we have proudly served for decades,” said Maimonides Health President and Chief Executive Officer Ken Gibbs. "We are grateful to have a partner who shares our commitment to working with communities to meet their needs."
