As budget talks unfold in New York, lawmakers and labor unions are collaborating to revise a bill that would establish a single-payer health care system in the state. The proposed New York Health Act would create a universal health care system that would cover all primary, preventive, and specialized medical care for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status. The system would be funded through an income-based graduated tax based on a person’s ability to pay. The legislation, which has been a topic of discussion among lawmakers for decades, is designed to address the 1 million New York adults who lack health insurance.
Sen. Gustavo Rivera, who chairs the Senate Health Committee, believes that the current health care system, which is centered around insurance companies, will never be adequate in providing New Yorkers with the coverage they need. He views the bill as a step towards a system that will provide better results at a lower cost. On the other hand, Republicans and opponents of the bill are skeptical about its impact on the state’s economy and the quality of health care available to New Yorkers. They also express concerns about the state’s ability to handle such a massive overhaul of its health system.
As conversations between lawmakers and labor unions continue, the new version of the Health Act is expected to be reintroduced in the coming weeks. However, the specific timeline and priority for this legislative session remain unclear. Governor Kathy Hochul’s stance on socialized health care in New York is also unknown, as she did not include it in her executive budget proposal or her recent State of the State address. The bill has gained support from Democrats in the state Senate and Assembly, who have signed on as co-sponsors over the years, but the opposition from labor unions remains a challenge.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]