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Erie County Medical Center Sale Sparks Outrage Over Healthcare Access

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/31 .. -sale-sparks-outrage-over-healthcare-access.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, December 31st 2025 at 22:40 GMT by Buffalo News
      Locale: New York, UNITED STATES

A Bitter Pill: Erie County's Controversial Plan to Sell ECMC to Kaleida Sparks Outrage and Raises Health Access Concerns

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz is pushing forward with a deeply contentious plan to sell the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) system to Kaleida Health, a move that has ignited fierce opposition from unions, elected officials, patient advocates, and even some within the medical community. The proposed deal, unveiled in late October 2023, aims to address ECMC's persistent financial struggles but is drawing criticism over its potential impact on healthcare access for vulnerable populations and the future of a vital regional safety net hospital.

The Financial Crisis at ECMC:

ECMC has been grappling with significant financial challenges for years. The system, which includes Buffalo General Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, and ECMC itself, operates as a critical safety-net provider, serving patients regardless of their ability to pay. This mission, while essential, contributes significantly to its financial strain. The hospital relies heavily on Medicaid reimbursements, which are often lower than the cost of providing care. Years of state budget cuts and changes in reimbursement rates have exacerbated the problem. The system has accumulated substantial debt – currently over $200 million – and faces a projected deficit of around $70 million for 2024. As detailed in previous reporting, ECMC's struggles are not unique; many safety-net hospitals across New York State face similar pressures (referencing the Buffalo News’ ongoing coverage).

The Proposed Solution: A Deal with Kaleida Health:

Poloncarz argues that selling ECMC to Kaleida Health is the only viable option to ensure its long-term survival. Kaleida, a larger private healthcare system operating Buffalo General Medical Center and other facilities, would assume ECMC's debt and operational responsibilities. The deal involves a complex arrangement where Erie County would retain ownership of the physical assets (buildings and land) while Kaleida manages day-to-day operations under a 25-year lease with options for renewal. The county would receive approximately $30 million upfront, with ongoing lease payments projected over the contract period.

According to Poloncarz, this arrangement allows ECMC to benefit from Kaleida's economies of scale and management expertise while maintaining some level of public oversight. He emphasizes that the deal is structured to protect essential services and ensure continued access for vulnerable patients. However, critics remain skeptical about these assurances.

The Opposition Rises: Labor Unions Lead the Charge:

The most vocal opposition comes from unions representing ECMC employees, particularly the Committee for Public Employees (CPE). They argue that the sale would inevitably lead to job losses through layoffs and wage cuts as Kaleida seeks to streamline operations and reduce costs. The CPE has pointed out a history of Kaleida's cost-cutting measures at Buffalo General, raising concerns about similar actions at ECMC. They believe the county is abandoning its responsibility to provide public healthcare and that alternative solutions, such as seeking state funding or exploring other partnerships, haven’t been adequately explored.

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare New York has also joined the fight, highlighting the potential for decreased quality of care due to staffing reductions and increased workloads. They are actively mobilizing members and engaging in public awareness campaigns to oppose the sale.

Concerns About Access and Community Impact:

Beyond the labor concerns, community leaders and patient advocates worry about the impact on access to vital services. ECMC serves a disproportionately large number of low-income patients, uninsured individuals, and those with complex medical needs. There are fears that Kaleida, driven by profit motives (as a private entity), might prioritize more lucrative procedures and reduce or eliminate services crucial for this vulnerable population – such as trauma care, behavioral health services, and specialized programs for the homeless.

The article cites concerns from Councilmember Howard Johnson who believes the deal could lead to a “two-tiered” system where essential services are curtailed at ECMC while Kaleida focuses on higher-paying patients elsewhere. He argues that the county has not adequately addressed these potential consequences in its assessment of the proposal.

Political Wrangling and Next Steps:

The proposed sale is facing significant political headwinds. The Erie County Legislature is responsible for approving the deal, but a majority of members currently oppose it. Public hearings have been contentious, with passionate testimony from both supporters and opponents. County Executive Poloncarz has attempted to negotiate concessions with unions and address access concerns, but these efforts haven't fully quelled the opposition.

The Buffalo News article highlights that the deal requires approval from multiple state agencies, including the New York State Department of Health. This regulatory review process could further delay or potentially derail the sale. The outcome remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the future of ECMC and its role in Erie County's healthcare landscape hangs precariously in the balance. The debate underscores a broader national challenge: how to sustain safety-net hospitals facing financial pressures while ensuring equitable access to essential medical care for all.

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