1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

The New York Health Act aims to establish a comprehensive, universal single-payer health care coverage program for all New York residents. This would provide comprehensive health benefits with no network restrictions, deductibles, or co-pays. The plan would be publicly funded through a progressive payroll tax and other income-based revenue sources, replacing premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs. Federal funds for existing programs like Medicare and Medicaid would be pooled into the New York Health Trust Fund. Private insurers could not offer duplicative coverage. This approach has the potential to control rising health care costs, ensure affordable access, and promote innovative payment models incentivizing quality over volume of services. While a major undertaking, the legislation seeks to uphold the state's constitutional obligation to protect public health by guaranteeing health care as a right through an equitable financing system based on ability to pay. I urge you to carefully consider the aims and mechanisms outlined in the New York Health Act to secure truly universal health coverage for all New Yorkers.