NEW YORK HEALTH ACT

The outbreak of the Coronavirus has tragically exposed how vulnerable New Yorkers are because we lack universal, high quality health care for everyone. Health care shouldn’t be so expensive that folks are left choosing between food or medicine. The health care system shouldn’t be so convoluted that both patients and doctors need to jump through bureaucratic hoops just to pay for simple services. And healthcare should definitely not be tied to employment.

I am running for State Assembly to be a leading voice in making the New York Health Act a reality, to provide health care as a human right. 

I am eager to fight for the residents of Corona, East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Woodside to get guaranteed health care regardless of employment or immigration status. I have been an advocate for expanding health care coverage my entire career. With the help of research done by the Campaign for New York Health, we can see how the Coronavirus proves tragically that we need to implement the New York Health Act, which is a Medicare for All type legislation for New Yorkers. 

Our current healthcare system doesn’t need tweaking, it needs replacing. Consider this:

  • Over 1 million New Yorkers were uninsured before the crisis

  • Nearly half a million people have filled for unemployment in New York State up to now, most losing their employer health care in the process

  • Investment in Medicare was cut by $1.6 billion in our state

  • Money to Elmhurst hospital was cut by $10 million in the most recent NYS budget

Here are a set of problems caused by COVID-19 and how the New York Health Act would solve them:

PROBLEM: Not enough nurses and physicians to treat infected patients

SOLUTION: Nurses and physicians will no longer spend 48% of their time on bureaucratic tasks, leaving more time for patients

PROBLEM: People delaying or skipping medical care because of cost, resulting in spreading of the virus

SOLUTION: Patients have no out-of-pocket health care costs to worry about

PROBLEM: Self-insured employers refuse to cover COVID-19 testing costs despite Governor’s regulation

SOLUTION: All medically necessary testing is funded by NY Health

PROBLEM: Workers going to work when sick out of fear they may lose their lose jobs or health insurance

SOLUTION: Healthcare is guaranteed and no longer tied to job

PROBLEM: Not all patients can afford the medication or vaccine when it becomes available

SOLUTION: There will be no payments, no co-pays, and no deductibles for treatment

PROBLEM: High death rates, especially in patients in poor health

SOLUTION: Emphasis on preventative care leading to a healthier population

PROBLEM: Immigrants fear testing and treatment because of “Public Charge” crackdown

SOLUTION: All NY residents are covered regardless of immigration status

We can build a safer, stronger New York with the universal health care that the New York Health Act will provide to everyone. I hope you will join me in making our city and state a leader in health care as a human right.