New York is in a healthcare affordability crisis impacting our patients, providers, and hospitals under threat of closure from federal cuts to healthcare. It is unacceptable that more than 1 million New Yorkers are uninsured and 1.5 million more are being stripped of insurance as a result of the cuts. It is unacceptable that healthcare is tied to employment and the vast majority of New Yorkers are underinsured — lacking Long Term Care not covered by their private insurance and going without or dangerously delaying needed care because of the skyrocketing cost of premiums, deductibles, copays and restrictive doctor networks. It is unacceptable that America spends twice as much as our international counterparts, yet has worse health outcomes.

There is a solution to this crisis: the New York Health Act [A1466/S3425].

The New York Health Act will provide comprehensive, universal healthcare coverage — including long-term care, mental healthcare, and dental care — for each and every resident of New York. The NY Health Act also eliminates financial barriers to care such as deductibles, copays and monthly premiums, while allowing people to go to the doctor and hospital of their choice. Healthcare will be based on need — not tied to employment, immigration, income, or health status. Studies show it will cost far less than the current system, saving billions of dollars annually for individuals, businesses, and New York State.

We can't afford not to pass this bill. The NY Health Act is morally just, fiscally responsible, and politically popular. We can't have racial, economic and health justice without affordable, comprehensive, universal healthcare. We have a path to victory, we need you make it a reality!