Empire State Voices and Community Partners Host First in a Series Forum Highlighting Federal Funding Cuts to Healthcare Programs Ahead of Open Enrollment
Healthcare funding cuts are causing confusion and chaos, as hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are left without reliable access to care
PLEASANTVILLE, 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 and Medicare, creating confusion and chaos, 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.
On Sunday, Empire State Voices hosted an event in Pleasantville to share important information about the state of Medicare and Medicaid for impacted New Yorkers, especially ahead of the open enrollment period. This is the first in a series of events throughout the Hudson Valley to highlight the impact of rising healthcare costs and help fill in informational gaps where our elected officials are not.
“I am a 32-year-old breast cancer survivor, and I was on Medicaid when I was diagnosed. This program got me and so many people like me the care we needed to survive, and watching our leaders in Washington attack it is unconscionable,” said Justine Morris, Cancer Survivor and Healthcare Advocate. “Once you survive cancer, you rely on scans, medications, specialist appointments, and preventive care for the rest of your life. I will always advocate for myself and people in my position who simply can’t afford any further attacks on our health insurance.”
“Across the country, people are dealing with the consequences of legislation that cut funding for healthcare programs like Medicaid and Medicare,” said 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.”
“Our leaders in Washington voted for legislation that cut healthcare for millions, leaving hardworking families with higher healthcare costs and little to no guidance on how to navigate the changes,” said Dylan Wheeler, Senior Organizing Director with Empire State Voices. “At a time when elected officials are not getting us the answers we need to survive, 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.
