Full Breakdown
Supreme Court Declines to Hear Andrew Cuomo Nursing Home Lawsuit
4/22/2026, 2:48:27 AM
Legal Outcome of the Wrongful Death Case
The U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to hear an appeal in a wrongful death lawsuit against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, brought by Daniel Arbeeny. The case alleged that Cuomo's COVID-19 nursing home policies contributed to the death of Arbeeny's father, Norman, in April 2020. The Supreme Court's decision leaves intact lower court rulings that dismissed the claims, citing qualified immunity for public officials acting in their official capacities during the pandemic.
Background on Cuomo's Nursing Home Policy
Cuomo's nursing home policy, enacted on March 25, 2020, mandated that nursing homes accept patients regardless of their COVID-19 status to prevent hospital overcrowding. Critics argue that this directive led to the admission of approximately 9,000 COVID-positive patients into nursing homes, resulting in significant fatalities among vulnerable populations. Reports indicate that over 15,000 seniors died in New York nursing homes due to COVID-19 during this period.
Official Statements & Responses
Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo's spokesperson, stated that the Supreme Court's decision is consistent with previous investigations that found no wrongdoing by Cuomo or his administration. He emphasized that independent reviews, including those by the Department of Justice and New York State Attorney General's office, concluded that Cuomo's actions aligned with federal guidelines during the pandemic. Azzopardi remarked, "Every investigation and every court to examine these claims has reached the same conclusion: there was no wrongdoing by Governor Cuomo or his administration."
Conversely, Daniel Arbeeny expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the case, asserting, "The Supreme Court doesn’t erase what was done and the truth of what happened." He criticized the nursing home policy, stating it had deadly consequences and that the administration misrepresented the death toll, which official records later indicated exceeded 12,000 fatalities.
Criticism & Opposition
The nursing home policy has been a focal point of criticism, particularly during Cuomo's political comeback attempts, including his 2025 mayoral run. Families of nursing home residents have demanded accountability, with protests highlighting the perceived need for Cuomo to apologize for the deaths. Peter Arbeeny, son of Norman Arbeeny, stated, "You need to face us and apologize. If you are going to lead you are going to lead for all of us."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Supreme Court's decision effectively closes the legal avenues for the plaintiffs, discrepancies remain regarding the actual death toll in nursing homes. Initial reports from Cuomo's administration indicated 8,505 deaths, while subsequent investigations revealed the figure to be over 12,000. This inconsistency has fueled ongoing debates about the transparency and accuracy of the state's reporting during the pandemic.
What's Next
With the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the appeal, the legal battle surrounding Cuomo's nursing home policies appears to be at a standstill. However, the political ramifications of the nursing home scandal continue to resonate in New York, as calls for accountability and transparency persist among affected families and political opponents.
