On Tuesday, May 28, 2019 the New York State legislature will hear public testimony on a proposal to create single payer system in the state.
The New York Health Act, A.5248/S.3577, would replace traditional health insurance coverage and public health coverage programs with single-payer health coverage, including long-term care, for all New Yorkers. The program would be publicly funded, including existing federal support for Medicaid and Medicare. New Yorkers would not be required to pay premiums, deductibles, co-pays, or out-of network charges.
This hearing is the first of a series of hearings that will provide an opportunity for comments and suggestions from stakeholders around the state on the New York Health Act.
NYSSOS President, James Slough, MD will testify on behalf of the Society. The Society plans to cite concerns regarding the impact on access to care should this proposal advance.
NYSSOS believes that expanding health care coverage and access should be implemented through a public-private partnership, and we strongly oppose proposals that create a federal health care authority or move health care
further in the direction of a single-payer health care system in New York State.
NYSSOS acknowledges the Sponsor’s efforts to add provisions that remove the requirement for prior authorizations for health care services. Additionally, we acknowledge the provisions to allow for health care providers to collectively negotiate with New York Health including payment rates and methodologies.
NYSSOS believes patients should receive access to health care coverage – including specialty care - without financial barriers or undue burdens placed on the patient or physician. The responsibility of financing appropriate
health care services must be a shared public-private cooperative effort that advances a patient-centered model for choosing affordable health care options
NYSSOS believes that as policymakers consider health care reforms they should:
- Make certain that patients are empowered to control and decide how their own health care dollars are spent
- Ensure unencumbered access to specialty care
- Make health care coverage more affordable
- Improve the value of care
- Extend both coverage and access for the uninsured and under-insured
- Avoid establishing new unsustainable programs
- Support initiatives to examine the impact of proposals before implementation
To submit your own testimony, please visit this link for more details.
