Statement from the Campaign for New York Health on the 2022 budget deal reached in Albany:

“By failing to fund Coverage for All in the budget and living-wages for homecare workers, the legislature and Governor failed to take a much-needed step forward in our state’s duty to provide healthcare to those who need it. Expanding health insurance coverage to low-income New Yorkers regardless of immigration status is the right thing to do and is supported by an incredibly broad range of New Yorkers and community and industry advocates. The New York State constitution says that all residents have the right to healthcare. Our loved ones and neighbors deserve to get the care they need, especially as we continue to live through the pandemic and its disproportionate effects on the health and lives of working class immigrants and communities of color. 

“We have seen that even with health insurance, many New Yorkers are still unable to afford the care they need or incur huge medical debts to get life-saving care. That is why we are urging the legislature to take the crucial next steps and pass the End Medical Debt bills (A7363/S6522, A3470C/S2521C, A8441/S7625), to protect New York families from the predatory medical billing practices in the current healthcare system.

“To truly create a healthcare system for all New Yorkers, the Democratic legislative majority must use the remaining weeks of the session to pass the New York Health Act. Creating a comprehensive, free-at-point-of-use healthcare system for everyone in our state is the only way we can affordably provide the healthcare we all need and deserve.”

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The Campaign for New York Health is a 501c4 statewide coalition dedicated to enacting a universal single-payer healthcare in New York State. CNYH brings together more than 300 organizations representing: community groups, labor unions, seniors, people with disabilities, nurses, teachers, patients, doctors, business leaders, faith groups, immigrants, and healthcare advocates, committed to the right to healthcare. Find out more at www.nyhcampaign.org


CNYH coalition members include New York State Nurses Association, Physicians for a National Health Program, New York Statewide Senior Action Council, Metro Justice, Chinese-American Planning Council, Citizen Action of New York, Community Service Society of New York, Democratic Socialists of America (NYC), For the Many, New York Labor-Religion Coalition, Make the Road New York, Metro New York Health Care for All, New York Progressive Action Network, Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition, and Working Families Party.