Gov. Kathy Hochul's reelection campaign released a new ad Tuesday focused on Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman's remarks about Medicaid. An emergency physician featured in the spot warns that cuts could disrupt care for patients who depend on the program.
The ad, titled “Wrecking Ball,” includes a clip of Blakeman saying, “We make sure we cut Medicaid in half.” The campaign said it is part of a multimillion-dollar statewide advertising effort running through Election Day on broadcast, cable, streaming and digital platforms.
The physician says many of the patients treated in the emergency room rely on Medicaid. The ad predicts missed appointments, delayed cancer treatment and higher health care costs if the program is cut.
Hochul campaign communications director Sarafina Chitika said the ad reflects what the campaign sees as the risk to patients from Blakeman's position. Her statement also linked him to President Donald Trump's health care policies.
Blakeman disputed Hochul's description of his position during their Oct. 13 debate. He said he had not proposed cutting Medicaid in half and argued that New York's Medicaid costs to taxpayers exceed those of Texas and Florida combined. In an earlier Fox Business appearance, he framed Medicaid changes as part of a plan to reduce property taxes.
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