Assemblywoman Jenne has continually been a vocal supporter of the legislation.
“The New York Health Act could mean the difference between life and death for many of our neighbors, loved ones and friends,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between having food in the fridge and picking up a prescription. They shouldn’t be forced to forgo critical treatment to keep the lights on at home. We need a single-payer system to protect New Yorkers from skyrocketing premiums and insufficient coverage while ensuring everyone gets the care they need," she said.
The New York Health Act would establish a universal health care system within the state, known as New York Health, that would cover all residents, regardless of wealth, income, age or
pre-existing condition.
Every enrollee would have access to a full range of doctors and services, including inpatient and outpatient care, maternity care, prescription drug costs and dental, vision and hearing care. Out-of-state health care would also be covered.
Care providers and coordinators would be fully paid by New York Health, with no copays, deductibles or other charges to patients.
The system would be publicly funded based on a shared 80/20 employer/employee payroll contribution that would be progressive and based on the amount the employee is paid.
This would relieve employers of the burdensome administration of health plans, Assemblywoman Jenne noted.
The local share of Medicaid would also end, providing New Yorkers with much-needed property tax relief.
"This is a major concern for local government leaders in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties and eliminating the local share of the Medicaid costs would translate into major reductions in the county's portion of local tax bills," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
Research by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst shows New York could save an estimated $45 billion in the first year alone by implementing a single-payer system and that system would also lower annual health insurance costs for 98 percent of households in the state.
