Blakeman Opposes Hochul-Backed State Takeover of Maimonides Hospital

Blakeman and Orthodox Leaders Fight New York City Hospital Takeover

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has aligned himself with Orthodox Jewish leaders to oppose a state-backed plan to fold Brooklyn’s Maimonides Medical Center into New York City’s public hospital system. The New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) approved the proposal to make Maimonides Health part of NYC Health + Hospitals. The transaction relies on a $2.2 billion state grant announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul last fall to meet payroll and keep the lights on during the transition.

Blakeman, the Nassau County executive, argued that the Borough Park hospital should remain under private operation rather than shifting to municipal control. “Kathy Hochul — against the wishes of the local Boro Park community — is leading a state takeover of Maimonides Medical Center, a world-class private teaching hospital with over a century of service,” Blakeman said. He added that his wife was born at the facility and pledged to halt the transaction and restore private control if elected governor.

Community Opposition and Legal Challenges to the Municipal Merger

The plans have drawn sharp pushback from local residents, Hasidic congregations, and lawmakers who question the long-term stability of government oversight. Maimonides serves as an institution for Borough Park’s Orthodox community, operating a kosher kitchen.

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein described the transaction as coercion rather than collaboration, while Rabbi Yeruchim Silber of Agudath Israel of America warned that a sale of the hospital would be permanent even as political administrations change. Hasidic congregations from Bobov, Belz, and Satmar, along with dissenting hospital trustees and the Coalition to Preserve Maimonides, have joined legal challenges. Attorney Martin Bienstock filed an Article 78 petition in Albany County on behalf of the coalition, arguing that a municipal takeover of a private nonprofit hospital is unprecedented and unlawful. Two lawsuits remain pending.

Official Defense of the NYC Health + Hospitals Partnership

Proponents of the agreement maintain that public integration is the only viable path to save the financially distressed institution. Maimonides has faced severe budget deficits, recording a $145 million loss in 2021 while carrying a heavy caseload of Medicaid or lower-income patients. Former Mayor Eric Adams announced the partnership near the end of his term.

A spokesperson for Gov. Hochul defended the funding and regulatory review, stating that the governor directed billions in support while the hospital board sought a sustainable partner. The spokesperson insisted the transaction is not a “takeover” but rather an agreement for NYC Health + Hospitals to operate Maimonides Medical Center and Maimonides Midwood Community Hospital to protect essential health care access in Brooklyn. NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz testified at a public hearing that the public system would preserve the hospital’s cultural identity and practices. The transaction still requires final approval from the state attorney general or the courts.

Financial distress and political opposition surrounding the hospital transfer

Why is Maimonides Medical Center merging with NYC Health + Hospitals?

The hospital faced severe financial distress, including a $145 million loss in 2021, and officials say the transition is necessary to secure stable funding and a $2.2 billion state grant to meet payroll and keep the lights on during the transition.

What is Bruce Blakeman’s position on the hospital transfer?

Blakeman opposes the transition, calling it a state-backed takeover that ignores the wishes of the Borough Park community. He has pledged to stop the deal and return the hospital to private management if elected governor.

Who has approved the hospital integration plan?

The New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council approved the proposal. The transaction still requires final approval from the state attorney general or the courts.

What safeguards have city health officials promised for the hospital’s religious and cultural practices?

NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz stated that the public system is committed to preserving Maimonides’ historic cultural identity and practices.