New York’s largest health care union is urging state leaders to make up for recent federal funding cuts that threaten jobs and hospitals. Members of 1199 SEIU rallied at the Capitol, asking for at least $2 billion to protect the health system. They are worried that cuts made under a federal law last year could severely impact health services, especially in low-income and rural areas.
Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin highlighted the issue, stating that the federal bill could seriously harm health care nationwide. She assured attendees that New York would strive to keep its system robust.
Many health workers from across the state attended the rally, raising alarms about potential layoffs and hospital closures. They declared a “Code Red” for health funding, emphasizing that insufficient reimbursement rates could lead to dire outcomes. Union leader Veronica Turner-Biggs stressed that “health care is a right, not a privilege,” urging everyone to have access to quality care.
The cuts are likely to hit vulnerable communities the hardest. Take, for example, Amanta Adonis, a nursing home worker in Queens. She relies on Medicaid for her son, who has been through multiple surgeries for sickle cell disease. Without proper medication coverage, many patients risk losing their ability to work and support their families.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie showed their support at the rally, advocating for increased health care funding. Speaker Heastie noted that they’ve made some progress, including raising Medicare rates and boosting hospital funding.
Despite their calls for more funds, legislative leaders are cautious about specific tax proposals until they see Governor Kathy Hochul’s upcoming executive budget. Stewart-Cousins remarked that budget talks have just begun, making it hard to determine how to balance the budget.
While some leaders focus on increasing taxes for the wealthy to close gaps, others, like Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, argue for combating fraud and wasteful spending as a solution. Ortt mentioned that the state’s spending is already at an unsustainable level.
Recent reports show that New York’s Medicaid Inspector General reclaimed over $4.5 billion through recoveries and referred several cases of suspected fraud for legal action. The state Health Department emphasizes its commitment to high-quality services while ensuring taxpayer protection against fraud.
The 1199 SEIU union has not yet endorsed any candidates for the gubernatorial race but will announce its choice later this spring. Governor Hochul’s office stated that she has invested significantly in home care wages and worked to secure funding for future wage increases based on inflation.
The discussions around health care funding are critical, especially for those who rely on Medicaid. It’s a pressing topic that reflects broader issues of health care accessibility and equity in New York.
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