Adopt New York's Phased Universal Coverage Model Now

New York is showing the rest of the country how to achieve universal healthcare coverage without blowing up the existing system, and we should follow their lead. The phased Bismarck-inspired approach being advanced in New York — where the state covers 70% of baseline costs for all residents starting with emergency, preventive, and inpatient care — is exactly the kind of pragmatic, proven model our state should adopt. France and Germany have financed universal coverage for decades through 12–14% payroll contributions. New Yorkers already contribute an average of 6.9% of salary toward premiums, with employers paying three to four times more on top of that. Redirecting existing premium payments into a common pool is a transfer, not a new tax. No surprise bills, no prior authorization, no patient ever left fully uncovered — and private insurers adapt rather than disappear, protecting jobs in the process. If New York implements this successfully, it creates a working playbook for every state. We don't need to wait and watch. Support legislation that mirrors this phased approach here, starting with Medicaid infrastructure we already have.