Proposed bill could make New York the first U.S. state with universal healthcare
6 hours ago
- The League of Women Voters for Broome and Tioga Counties hosted a presentation to educate New Yorkers about the proposed New York Health Act (NYHA).
- The NYHA would provide comprehensive health insurance to all New York residents with no copays, deductibles, or out-of-network costs.
- Supporters, including retired nurse practitioner Marita Florini, emphasize the bill's coverage of physical and mental health, dental, vision, and other services, calling it a win-win for budgets.
- The bill, introduced in 1991 by Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, has evolved but retains core principles like decoupling insurance from employment or marital status.
- Family medicine provider Dr. Cori Marshall supports the NYHA, citing personal experience with $6,000 in out-of-network medical bills despite having good insurance.
- The NYHA would be funded through a payroll tax and federal funds for Medicare and other programs, potentially saving school and municipal budgets, per small business manager Susan Beckley.
- Opponents, like State Senator Patrick Gallivan, argue the bill would raise taxes for higher-income individuals and lacks details on healthcare provider payment rates.