100 Most Influential People in Healthcare - 2020

GNYHA has long been known for its fierce lobbying, which came to the forefront during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Congress approved $3.6 trillion in stimulus dollars, $11.5 billion went straight to New York, thanks in large part to the association’s work. Raske and GNYHA looked for other ways to ease their members’ pain too as they faced another financial hit from Medicaid reimbursement cuts. Even before COVID-19 swept over the state, GNYHA made $6 million in membership dues voluntary. "It would be totally inconsistent with our DNA to send safety-net institutions serving vulnerable populations a bill for dues knowing full well they may have to lay off a caregiver in order to pay it,” Raske said in January.