The fate of Nassau University Medical Center hangs in the balance, and it's become the subject of a political turf war between the Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Now, a lawsuit has been filed by the hospital's board against it's former CEO Megan Ryan, over allegations of million-dollar wrongful payouts, document shredding, and a made up trip costing thousands of dollars in reimbursements. In addition, there was a lobster dinner at the Javits Center, which was filed as an expense to taxpayers for a whopping $1,437.
Nassau Democrats also jumped into the political fight.
"This was more than just a political appointment, it was a coordinated smash and grab," said Democratic legislator Seth Koslow of the 5th district.
Koslow is seeking the job of county executive. Meanwhile, the Long Island spokesperson for Governor Hochul weighed in, calling Megan Ryan's former leadership, "an insult to taxpayers, and a betrayal of the hospital's mission."
But a spokesperson for the former CEO fired back, calling the lawsuit "frivolous," and "in retaliation for Ms. Ryan's discovery of the state's massive Medicaid fraud scheme."
Blakeman added onto that, with his spokesperson stating: "These allegations are being made up by desperate Democrat legislators who make up lies because they have no record to run on."
What is clear, is that no matter where you stand politically, there is a need for better health care in underserved communities of Nassau, which is now far worse after the recent scandal.
"When you think about the $8,000 alone, which was for a trip that never occurred, think about how many co-pays that is for families that struggle to pay co-pays," said Democratic legislator Delia DeRiggi of the 11th district.
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