| For Immediate Release: April 1, 2009 |
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For More Information: Bob Cohen, 518.465.4600 x 104 518.265.6183 (c) |
State Budget Takes Important Steps
Towards Coverage of the Uninsured
Albany, NY – Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York, issued this statement in response to the expected final passage of the state budget today:
“In an extraordinarily difficult budget year, the Governor and legislative leaders took a number of very important steps that will expand coverage to large numbers of New York’s 2.5 million uninsured. The elimination of face-to-face interviews, the asset test and finger-printing for some applicants are commonsense steps that move New York in the direction of encouraging the insured to get necessary medical care rather than treating them like criminals. The Legislature also adopted the Governor’s proposal to authorize the expansion of Family Health Plus to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. We applaud this critical expansion of health coverage, and will add our voice to make sure New York gets the federal approval and funding to make sure that happens. We must all work together now to make sure that Congress passes a quality, universal health care plan, so that all New Yorkers of all income levels are covered.”
Citizen Action also applauded the Governor and legislative leaders for reallocating unaccountable funding for Graduate Medical Education to reimburse hospitals and other providers to treat the uninsured, ensuring that limited health care dollars are used where they are needed the most.
Citizen Action of New York is a statewide organization that fights for social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
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