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New York Health Advocates Urge Budget Prioritization For Primary Care And Patient Protections
albany, NY – Health Care For All New york (HCFANY), a leading health advocacy group, has voiced its support for several health-related proposals included in the New York Senate and Assembly One-House budgets.The organization is specifically highlighting the need for increased primary care investment, strengthened maternal health initiatives, and enhanced patient financial protections.
However, HCFANY also expressed disappointment over the exclusion of key measures aimed at further safeguarding and improving health care coverage for New Yorkers.
Key Proposals Supported By HCFANY
HCFANY is actively supporting several proposals that have made their way into either the Assembly or Senate One-House budgets. These include:
- Increased primary Care Spending: Through the Primary Care Investment Act (A1915A/S1634).
- Strengthened Maternal And Reproductive Health Care Access.
- Expanded Medicaid Coverage For Lactation Support Services: Including certified lactation consultants and breast pump supplies.
The Critical Need For Primary Care Investment
Across the United States, less than five cents of every health care dollar is allocated to primary care, despite primary care providers handling a significant portion of patient visits. In New York, a staggering 70 percent of emergency room visits are for non-emergent conditions, more than double the national average, according to a recent report by the Community Service Society of New York (CSS).
The inclusion of the Primary Care Investment Act in the senate’s One-House Budget is a welcome step, according to HCFANY. This act mandates that insurance carriers increase their spending on primary care by one percent annually, until reaching a target of 12.5 percent. Investment in primary care is seen as a crucial strategy for reducing chronic diseases and overall health care expenditures.
A recent survey indicates that 79 percent of New Yorkers support requiring insurance carriers to gradually increase spending on primary care. Several other states, including Colorado, Delaware, Oregon, and Rhode Island, have already implemented similar policies.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities
Significant racial disparities persist within New York’s health care system. Black mothers are five times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death compared to their White counterparts, according to data from the New York State Department Of Health.
Almost half of all births in New York are covered by Medicaid. With potential federal funding cuts looming, new York needs to leverage its budget to protect access to care for expectant mothers.
Executive Budget Initiatives: Areas For Enhancement
HCFANY supports initiatives introduced in the Executive Budget that aim to strengthen the New York Department of Health’s (DOH) oversight of material health care transactions. These transactions include mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships that involve health plans or health care providers.
the organization also supports the Senate’s addition of extending the notification timeframe for closures from 60 to 90 days.
However, HCFANY is advocating for amendments to enhance transparency and public engagement. They propose:
- Requiring Full Public Disclosure Of Material Transactions.
- Extending The Time To File Such Transactions.
- Allowing Public Input On Proposed Transactions To The DOH.
Disappointments: Key Initiatives Excluded
HCFANY has expressed disappointment that several crucial initiatives were not included in the One-House budgets:
- The No Blank Checks act (S6375).
- The Fair Pricing act (S705/A2140).
- Redistribution Of MCO Tax Revenue For Direct Patient Support.
The Need For The ‘No blank Checks Act’
Currently, patients are frequently enough required to sign forms agreeing to pay any charges not covered by insurance before receiving care. This act would create a uniform patient financial liability form, including a good faith estimate of costs.
Price transparency is a growing concern for New Yorkers, with 92 percent supporting the requirement for hospitals and doctors to provide upfront cost estimates.
Addressing High Health Care Costs With The ‘Fair Pricing Act’
Data shows that the same service can cost significantly more at a hospital-owned outpatient department compared to a doctor’s office. The fair Pricing Act,which caps prices for routine services at 150% of Medicare rates,could save the state an estimated $1.1 billion, including $213 million in reduced out-of-pocket costs for New Yorkers.
Rising prices are significantly impacting New Yorkers, with approximately two-thirds experiencing a health care affordability burden, according to recent surveys.
Reallocating MCO Tax Revenue
The MCO tax allows the state to draw down federal funds. HCFANY urges the reallocation of some of these funds to directly support patients and create a rainy-day fund to prepare for potential federal funding cuts to Medicaid and other health programs.
Medicaid provides essential health and financial security for vulnerable populations and is critical for funding health care facilities.
Key Takeaways: HCFANY’s Budget Priorities
| Priority | Description | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Care Investment Act | increases insurance spending on primary care to 12.5% annually. | reduces chronic diseases and lowers health care costs. |
| Maternal Health Initiatives | Addresses racial inequities in maternal health care. | Reduces pregnancy-related deaths among black mothers. |
| No Blank Checks Act | Requires upfront cost estimates for health care services. | Increases price transparency and reduces unexpected bills. |
| Fair Pricing Act | Caps prices for routine services at 150% of Medicare rates. | Saves the state and New Yorkers billions in health care costs. |
| MCO Tax Revenue Redistribution | Reallocates funds to support patients and create a rainy-day fund. | Protects access to health care coverage amid potential federal cuts. |
Understanding The importance Of Health Care Advocacy
Health care advocacy plays a crucial
