A bill being considered as part of New York State budget process would give 46,000 currently ineligible people access to public health care programs.
The legislation would create the state-funded Essential Plan for New Yorkers living at up to 200% of the federal poverty level who cannot currently access health insurance coverage due to immigration status, according to Daily Messenger.
The Community Service Society of NY estimates a $345 million cost to expand coverage.
The state Assembly and Senate have included the bill in both one-house budget proposals. Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature are currently working to finalize the $216 billion state budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year by Friday, April 1.
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