WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State has been awarded a $185.8 million federal grant to implement its State Health Benefit Exchange to make it easier for New Yorkers to obtain affordable health insurance coverage.  New York was 1 of 5 states to receive a Level 2 Exchange Establishment grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that will help develop a marketplace for New Yorkers to get affordable health insurance.  Open enrollment in New York's Health Benefit Exchange will begin October 1st.

O’Connor Hospital in Delhi and Tri-Town Regional Hospital in Sidney are now using electronic medical records instead of paper patient charts.  The hospitals are now connected electronically with Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown; the end result will demonstrate improvements in care coordination, efficiency in health care delivery, medication safety. All information for each patient is securely contained in one consolidated electronic record, making that information available no matter where the patient is seen for follow-up care within the Bassett Healthcare Network.

New York Farm Bureau officials testified at a budget hearing in Albany yesterday, regarding the Governor’s proposed agricultural portion of the Executive budget.  Farm bureau supports funding for animal health programs, programs to assist farm families directly, & the Governor’s plans to follow up on the Wine, Beer and Spirits Summit from last fall.  Farm Bureau is asking for the Legislature to consider increasing funding up to $1,000,000 for promotion and marketing activities for New York’s apple growers after last years crop losses from a spring frost, and for the restoration of marketing funding for maple producers & Christmas tree growers.