NYS Legislative Priorities

PNHP-NY Metro's 2023 Legislative Package

The legislation below represents the primary focuses of PNHP-NY Metro's lobbying efforts during the 2023 legislative session in New York.

Summary of Legislation: Take action by clicking on the bill names.

New York Health Act (S7590 / A07897) will establish a single-payer universal healthcare system in New York state that will guarantee comprehensive care for all residents and workers, regardless of employment, immigration status or ability to pay!

Reproductive Freedom & Equity Act (A00361A / S00348B) will establish a fund to cover the cost of abortion —as well as traveling expenses and childcare costs—for low-income New Yorkers and people coming from out of state. Has already passed the state senate!

Coverage 4 All (A3020 / S2237) will create a state-funded Essential Plan for ALL New Yorkers up to 200% of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status, by including undocumented immigrants in the state’s application for the 1332 waiver. Submit comments in support of Coverage 4 All.

Indigent Care Pool (2023 bill numbers pending) will redistribute public funding to protect true safety-net hospitals providing health care for low-income, people with disabilities, and communities of color.

End Medical Debt package: Ounce of Prevention Act (A6027 / S1366) requires all hospitals to use a uniform application form and policy and relates to distribution of funds from the general hospital indigent care pool, and Fair Medical Debt Reporting (A6275 / S4907) prohibits medical debt from being collected by a consumer reporting agency or included in a consumer report.

Fair Pay for Home Care would leave room in the budget for home health workers to make 150% of the minimum wage. New York has a home health care shortage and ensuring liveable wages for these highly skilled professionals is the first step to address this.

Protect Telemedicine Abortion Across State Lines (S1066A / A1079A) will shield clinicians and pharmacists throughout the state from: prosecution, loss of license or malpractice, and from subpoenas of their medical records for prescribing and sending of abortion pills to people who need them.