Be a hero–Champion the New York Health Act

New York deserves healthcare without barriers to care. New Yorkers suffer from a uniquely American problem, being the only industrialized country in the world without a universal healthcare system. Additionally, we are the only country that has residents with medical debt. In New York alone, 740,000 residents have medical debt. And the rates of medical debt in Buffalo are more than twice the statewide average. Exploding healthcare costs are unsustainable. We can no longer count on a “healthcare system that prioritizes their profits over the health of our community. I am reaching out to urge you to do all you can to prevent harm in our communities and implement universal healthcare in New York. Scholars have extensively documented that Black Americans experience worse health outcomes compared to white counterparts. Black Americans continue to have higher rates of disease and mortality compared with white Americans for most indicators of physical health. New York State officials have acknowledged the need to address deep systemic racial health inequities and have taken intermediary steps to address racial disparities in healthcare, but there is more to be done. The New York Health Act (NYHA) is the only comprehensive solution that would begin to undo decades of systemic racism in healthcare. Under the NYHA, New York residents would no longer be subject to costly copays and high deductibles. By removing the cost barrier, communities who once had to forgo healthcare in order to pay for basic essentials would have the ability to seek and obtain both preventive and sick care. Studies show that preventive care not only reduces the risk for diseases, disability and death, but demonstrates that racial disparities are mitigated in universal healthcare systems. Whether it is the Veterans Health Administration or broader government programs like Medicare, universal healthcare systems work to reduce racial disparities. Additionally, the New York Health Act would eliminate any future medical debt, which disproportionately affects people of color, allowing impacted individuals to build wealth and eliminate the fear of going into debt for obtaining healthcare services. Healthcare access is a critical racial equity issue that requires a systemic solution. A universal, single-payer health plan will improve healthcare access and health outcomes for everyone and play a significant role in mitigating racial inequities in healthcare. I urge you to become a New York Health Act champion and make New York a more equitable place for all.