As Federal funding cuts to healthcare programs cause confusion, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are being left confused and without reliable access to care
NYACK, NY — Over the past year, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers have seen their insurance premiums spike, lost healthcare access altogether, or faced challenges with increased wait times and provider shortages. The Republican Tax Law cut funding for programs like Medicaid, creating confusion as people are forced to navigate these changes with minimal federal guidance.
Congressman Mike Lawler repeatedly supported the Republican Tax Law, despite that in NY-17 alone, 79,500 children and 20,600 seniors depend on Medicaid and other public health programs to get the care they need. And as upcoming requirements go into effect, the problem will only get worse.
Yesterday, Empire State Voices hosted a healthcare forum in Nyack to give Hudson Valley families critical updates on the state of Medicaid and fill information gaps left by elected officials on healthcare cuts ahead of the open enrollment period. This event is the second in a series, and earlier this month, Empire State Voices hosted an event in Pleasantville.
“Make no mistake – these healthcare cuts are hurting hardworking families across the Hudson Valley. Processes to go to the doctor are getting more and more confusing, and nobody knows the status of their healthcare, or if it could be taken away at any minute,” said Bob from Stony Point. “We aren’t getting the answers we need from our leaders, and as everyday items get more expensive, my neighbors and I deserve some answers about how we’re going to continue affording our healthcare too.”
“Across the country, people are dealing with the consequences of legislation that cut funding for healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medicare,” said Dr. Ezra S. Susser, M.D., Dr.P.H., Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. “Parents are deciding if they can afford doctor’s visits, seniors are struggling to afford their prescriptions, and sick people are having to go through extra hoops to get the care they need. I know that no provider wants to see their patients in this position, and that we need our leaders working together to find a solution.”
“Hudson Valley families are already struggling to keep up with rising costs, and now on top of that, are at risk of further premium spikes, losing their care completely, or simply not knowing the status of their healthcare,” said Zachary Tirgan, Empire State Voices Multi-Regional Organizing Director. “We need our leaders in Washington to fight to make sure this community can get the care they need. And until they do, Empire State Voices will be working to fill in these information gaps and uplift the voices of New Yorkers who are being left behind.”
To learn more about upcoming events or speak with impacted New Yorkers, please contact press@empirestatevoices.org.
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Empire State Voices is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. We are fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same. To learn more about Empire State Voices, contact press@empirestatevoices.org
