Championing sustainable healthcare: Dr. Elizabeth August on protecting care for New York communities

We are incredibly proud to share that Dr. Elizabeth August, our Associate Chief Medical Officer for Optum Medical Care New York and New Jersey, recently published a compelling op-ed in The USA Today Network of news outlets in New York. Her piece, “We must face hard truths to protect care for New York communities,” sheds light on the significant challenges facing our healthcare system and underscores the commitment of Optum to ensuring accessible, high-quality care for all New Yorkers. 

In her insightful article, Dr. August addresses the immense strain on healthcare, particularly due to recent cuts to Medicare and Medicaid funding. She emphasizes that these policy changes have a very real, personal impact on millions of New Yorkers, potentially leading to a loss of essential coverage for many. The financial pressures are substantial, with New York’s healthcare spending already among the highest in the nation. 

Dr. August highlights that in this evolving landscape, partnerships with national organizations like Optum are more crucial than ever. These collaborations enable local practices to access the advanced technology, data systems and infrastructure needed to deliver modern medicine. Rather than simply reacting to challenges, Optum Medical Care is proactively investing in value-based care and innovation, building resilience within the health system.

Her message is clear: ensuring sustainable, high-quality care for New York communities requires tough decisions, but these decisions are made with a steadfast commitment to keeping care accessible, affordable, exceptional and compassionate. It’s about adapting and innovating to meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

We encourage you to read Dr. August’s full op-ed to gain a deeper understanding of these vital issues and the role of Optum in shaping a healthier future for New York: Read the full article here. 

To learn more about Dr. Elizabeth August, please click here.