New York Assembly passes single-payer bill for third straight year
The New York Assembly passed a plan to create a single-payer healthcare system in the state, as it had in 2015 and 2016, but it’s likely to die in the state’s senate, where Republicans control the majority.
As reported by The Spotlight in Delmar, New York, the New York Health Act would establish universal coverage, eliminating deductibles, co-pays and out-of-network charges. Sponsors of the legislation claim that while the state would have to provide about $91 billion in revenues to fund the system, it would translate into $45 billion in savings by cutting out health insurers and reducing administrative costs for providers and employers.
“We should be able to go to the doctor when we need to, without worrying whether we can afford it. We should choose our doctors and hospitals without worrying about network restrictions,” said New York Assemblyman Richard Gottfried. “We deserve health coverage for all of us, paid for based on our ability to pay, not what the market will bear.”
Conservatives, however, argue the Gottfried's math doesn’t add up. Read the full article at the link below:
John joined TriMed in 2016, focusing on healthcare policy and regulation. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago, he worked at FM News Chicago and Rivet News Radio, and worked on the state government and politics beat for the Illinois Radio Network. Outside of work, you may find him adding to his never-ending graphic novel collection.