Advocates Push Senator Grisanti, Albany to Act on Health Exchange in the Budget
With Exchange, 1 Million New Yorkers Would Reap the Rewards of Health Care Reform
Albany, NY – On Wednesday, March 14th, Citizen Action of New York and members of the Health Care For All New York (HCFANY) coalition gathered outside the office of Senator Mark Grisanti to urge him to work with other elected leaders to create a health insurance Exchange in the final budget. While the Assembly included language creating the Exchange in their one house budget bill, the Senate has failed to act. Participants collected post cards calling on him to support an Exchange and delivered them to Senator Grisanti.
“As a Community Health Advocate, the Affordable Care Act is already making a difference for New Yorkers. As health care costs are squeezing working families, the Affordable Insurance Exchange will reverse this trend with quality health insurance being affordable,” said Natalie Luczkowiak, Community Health Advocate for Citizen Action of New York.
“By creating an insurance Exchange, New York will be able buy health coverage in easier fashion and without the financial sting. An Exchange enables individuals, families, and small businesses to compare health plans; get answers; find out if they are eligible for tax credits, subsidies or a health program such as Child Health Plus and; enroll in a health plan that meets their needs,” said Gayla Thompson, a member of Citizen Action of New York.
“The CWA District 1 Health Care Coordinating Council represents 150,000 health care workers in 20 Locals in our district. We are advocates for patients in the communities and we urge Albany leaders to pass legislation for the health care Exchange bill that is within the budget. We are strongly for affordable and quality health insurance for all Americans,” said Mary Ann Janicki, Director of the CWA Health Care Coordinating Council.
“Insurance costs for overall health, including mental health, of many families without insurance has been a significant barrier to receiving necessary treatment. All health plans within a New York Health Exchange will include 10 Essential Health Benefits, such as mental health and behavioral services. There is a national shortage of child psychiatrists because they are not in a network system or services are not covered in a plan,” said Jan Albes-Register, a local school counselor.
###