The National Association of Social Workers – New York City and New York State Chapters support the New York Health Act as a critical step toward achieving universal healthcare for all New Yorkers. As social workers, we witness firsthand the devastating impact of gaps in healthcare coverage, particularly in marginalized communities. This legislation aligns with our commitment to social justice by ensuring comprehensive, affordable care regardless of income or employment status. We urge policymakers to prioritize the health and well-being of all residents by advancing this essential legislation.

This legislation establishes that every New York resident, and individuals employed full time in New York but living out-of-state, would be eligible to enroll, regardless of age, income, wealth, employment, or other status. There would be no network restrictions, deductibles, or co-pays. Coverage would be publicly funded. This legislation would also outline the benefits of this plan to include comprehensive outpatient and inpatient medical care, long-term care (including home care and nursing home care), primary and preventive care, prescription drugs, laboratory tests, rehabilitative, dental, vision, hearing, and hospice, as well as all benefits required by current state insurance law or provided by any state or local public employers, the Essential Plan, Child Health Plus, Medicare, or Medicaid, and others added by the plan. All of these benefits would apply to all NYH enrollees.