In 2014, Metro Justice became one of the founding members of the Campaign for New York Health (CNYH) so that everyone in New York could have comprehensive, universal healthcare. Since then, CNYH has grown into a coalition of over 150 community and labor organizations representing millions New Yorkers who are nurses, teachers, patients, doctors, union members, business leaders, organizers for immigrant rights, and faith leaders -- all of whom have come together to fight for a system in which healthcare is a human right that should be accessible to all of us, not just those who can afford to pay.

Our efforts gave birth to the New York Health Act, and after years of organizing our communities, everyday people speaking out about their difficulties getting basic healthcare, lobbying state government, and bold direct actions, the New York State Assembly and Senate are finally holding a public hearing to consider passing this bill. The hearing will be on Tuesday, May 28 in Albany beginning at 10 AM. We will be coordinating a bus from Rochester; while the meet up location still has to be determined, the meet-up time will be 5:45 AM, with an estimated return to Rochester by 7:30 PM. 

This is the make-or-break moment we have been fighting to get to for years. How many people show up to this hearing to support the New York Health Act will be critical in whether or not it passes. To attend:

1. RSVP below.
2. Showing up will make a difference. Testifying will make an even bigger difference. If you want to testify, contact our Lead Organizer, Mohini Sharma ([email protected], 585-397-3534) immediately so that she can sign you up, provide guidelines for testimony, and provide any support you need in developing your testimony. 

If passed, the New York Health Act will establish:

• Comprehensive coverage. All residents, regardless of immigration status, will be covered for: primary, preventive, and specialty care; hospitalization; mental health; substance abuse treatment; reproductive health; dental, vision, and hearing; and prescription drugs and medical supplies. Within two years of passage, long-term care will be covered. It will be more comprehensive than commercial health plans.
• Freedom to choose. No network restrictions. Patients will choose the nurses and doctors they want and make healthcare decisions with them, not with insurance companies.
• Fair funding. No more premiums, deductibles, or co-pays. Universal coverage funded through a graduated tax on income, based on ability to pay. Healthcare costs will be cheaper for 98% of New Yorkers. Most business healthcare costs will also be reduced. Public hospitals and clinics in New York will receive fair payment for the patients they serve.
• Equality of Care. It is well documented that there are different standards of care based on whether you are uninsured, have Medicaid, or private insurance. With the New York Health Act, everyone will be treated equally and covered for the same high quality care.
• Decreased administrative costs. No more paying insurance companies’ administrative costs and profits. No more time spent by doctors, hospitals, employers, and patients completing forms and negotiating with insurance companies. The total savings is estimated to be $45 billion. Healthcare will be accountable to the public’s health, not to insurance company stockholders.
• Reduced cost of medication and devices. Direct negotiation with pharmaceutical companies and medical device makers will bring prices down by as much as 40%.

The time for universal healthcare is now!