Crozer-Chester Medical Center Update

Rep. Leanne Krueger March 25, 2025 | 6:36 PM

PA Representative Leanne Krueger banner image

Dear Neighbor,

It has been a very eventful week in the efforts to prevent a closure at Crozer-Chester Medical Center with a lot of roller coasters and a lot of press coverage. Last Wednesday, the bankruptcy judge in Texas held a status hearing on the situation at Crozer because payroll was only covered through March 21. Before that hearing, my colleagues and I sent a letter to the judge explaining why we were fighting so hard to prevent a closure after the judge asked for information at a previous hearing about Delaware County's population and how many hospitals would be left to serve our County if the Crozer system closed and none of the lawyers in her courtroom could give her any answers. One of them even tried to Google stats about Delco from the courtroom. So we, as elected officials who represent Delco at the state and County level, submitted this letter to the judge so she could have a true picture of the needs of the people we serve. During last Wednesday’s status hearing, both Prospect and the Attorney General's office reported progress towards a possible Asset Purchase Agreement with a reputable nonprofit system, and the hearing ended on a hopeful tone. What was said in the courtroom matched what I had heard from the Attorney General’s office and Governor’s office in a briefing earlier that day.

The situation went south a few hours later. Later that night, we learned that on the very same day, a board member and donor of the Foundation for Delaware County had sued the foundation to prevent any more money from going to Crozer’s owner, Prospect Medical Holdings, or any related entity for the “operation of any hospital or hospital services.” A Delaware County judge issued an injunction within a few hours and I heard from multiple sources that the possible Asset Purchase Agreement was put in jeopardy. Just before midnight, the Patient Care Ombudsman (appointed by the bankruptcy court to advocate for the needs of patients) filed an emergency motion of her own asking the Judge in Texas to call an Emergency Status hearing because she was afraid that closure was imminent. That Emergency Status hearing took place on Thursday at noon and the judge was clearly angry that the Foundation for Delaware County had not disclosed the lawsuit and pending injunction during the hearing the previous day. She also alluded to possible future clawbacks to rectify the “sins of the past,” which I hope means accountability for all the money that Prospect drained out of the system through bad real estate deals to pay themselves dividends. The judge ordered all parties to an in-person meeting in a last-ditch effort to prevent a closure. That meeting took place in Harrisburg on Friday and both the Attorney General’s Office and Foundation for Delaware County issued press releases afterwards to report positive progress. The injunction on funding was dissolved that day at the request of the Foundation for Delaware County and they committed to investing an additional $13M to keep the hospitals open in the short-term while everyone works on a long-term solution (on top of the $7M they invested to make the last payroll). Here are the statements issued by the Attorney General and The Foundation for Delaware County following Friday’s meeting.

Everyone was back in court again yesterday and we heard reports from Prospect, the Attorney General’s office and the Foundation for Delaware County about positive steps towards a long-term solution for Crozer Health, with Penn Medicine playing a role alongside Delaware County and other local health systems. There is another status hearing tomorrow in Texas and Prospect said they could bring an Asset Purchase Agreement to the judge for approval as soon as April 1st. I want to be clear that there are still many moving parts and the sale deal is not yet final, but I heard more hope over the past week than I have in a long time. I’m grateful that Delaware County, the Attorney General’s Office, the Governor’s Office and the Foundation for Delaware County are all working hard to get this done.

For a summary of where things are as of today, ready this: Delaware County and UPenn working on deal to save bankrupt Crozer hospitals.

AT THE CAPITOL

Protecting Healthcare Workers

Today the House Labor & Industry Committee approved my bill (H.B. 926) that would create the Healthcare Workplace Violence Prevention Act. Workplace violence is more frequent in health care than any other industry. Health care workers accounted for a staggering 73% of all non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence in 2018 alone.

My legislation would require health facilities to establish workplace violence committees to create, review, and administer violence and prevention programs. These committees also would perform risk assessments and offer post-incident care for employees, as well as enhance protections against retaliation and ensure facilities display signage indicating that it is a felony to assault a health care worker.

The bill now moves to the full House for a vote.

Protecting Your Health

Today I voted for four bills that would protect your health care should the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans weaken or repeal the federal Affordable Care Act created under President Obama.

- H.B. 404 would make sure parents can keep their children insured until age 26.
- H.B. 535 would stop insurance executives from capping coverage for essential benefits.
- H.B. 618 would protect coverage for pre-existing conditions.
- H.B. 755 would require health insurance policies to cover preventive health care services without cost-sharing.

Help PA House Democrats get this legislation signed into law. Tell the state Senate vote yes on these bills and send them to Gov. Shapiro’s desk for his signature. Take Action Here.

Investing in Our Childcare Workforce

Quality childcare is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. I’ve been serving our community for years as a single mother and wouldn’t have been able to do that without quality childcare. I know many families in Delco face the same situation. And I know our childcare facilities face many challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled and nurturing people who care for our children.

On Monday I joined my colleagues and childcare advocates for a news conference in support of the $55 million Gov. Shapiro is proposing for childcare program recruitment and retention in the 2025-26 state budget.

IN THE DISTRICT

Vauclain Fire Company Mobile Office Launch

On Thursday my staff and I held our first ever mobile office at Vauclain Fire Company. I had a great conversation with Chief Evans. We are looking forward to assisting folks at this location every other month and will be back at Vauclain from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on May 15.

STATE PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION

Apply for LIHEAP by April 4

Do you need help paying your heating bill from this winter’s cold temperatures? The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is still open for application. This program provides cash grants sent directly to your utility company to help with the bill. To see if you qualify and to apply, visit the LIHEAP website or contact my office.

The application deadline is April 4.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Event on Thursday, March 27

12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Village Green Mobile Home Community

1000 Park Ave., Aston, 19014

I help hundreds of seniors and people with disabilities apply for their Property Tax/Rent Rebate each year. The program has made it easier for people to stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and so much more. Also, don’t forget that thanks to changes made in 2023, eligibility and rebate amounts have increased significantly. Stop by this event or call my office for help!

Medigap Webinar on Wednesday, April 23

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. online

This webinar will focus on supplemental Medicare plans, also known as Medigap. Call my office at 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net to get the webinar link.

License Plate Replacement Event on Thursday, May 1
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Gouley Park
101 Plush Mill Road, Media

Is your license plate hard to read, damaged or peeling? Don’t get fined for driving with an illegible plate! Local law enforcement will be at this event to determine if your plate needs to be replaced.

Drivers must bring an unexpired Pennsylvania driver’s license and current vehicle registration card. New plates are not issued at this event. Once your paperwork is processed, I will drive it back from Harrisburg and my office will call you to pick up your new plate. Registration is required. Call my office at 610-534-6880 or email RepKrueger@pahouse.net to register.

Free Shredding and Drug Take Back on Saturday, May 10

9 a.m. to noon
Upland Park, Brookhaven
Protect your identity and get rid of unneeded medications at this event I’m hosting with Sen. John Kane.

HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY

PA CareerLink is hosting a Spring Hiring Event at the Springfield YMCA on Thursday, March 27 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome!!!

Pennsylvania Resources Council E-Waste Collection in Delco

This event will be held on Wednesday, April 23 from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. at Upland County Park. Please register for the event at PRC - Electronic Recycling Collection in Delaware County or call 610-353-5185.

Free drop off for the following items: TV's (1 free TV per registration and one registration per person); computers; monitors; printers; CPU's; laptops; mice; keyboards; desk top copiers and scanners; tablets; routers and modems; home and cell phones; cable boxes and electronic cables; dvd players; VCR's; stereos and video game consoles; vacuum cleaners.

This 2025 PRC E-Waste collection event is sponsored by Delaware County Parks in partnership with County of Delaware, DELCO Sustainability and Reworld.