If You Missed Our New York Health Act Forum

On Nov. 23, we held an informative Forum on the New York Health Act featuring speakers Richard Gottfried (Author of the NY Health Act and Assembly sponsor), Gustavo Rivera (Chair of the NY State Senate Health Committee), and Dr. Elizabeth Rosenthal (Board Member, Physicians for a National Health Program)

If you missed the forum, please watch the video here.

The New York Health Act is legislation in New York State that would provide comprehensive, universal health coverage for every New York resident and worker, replacing existing private insurance company coverage. You and your health care providers work to keep you healthy. New York Health pays the bill. This plan is similar to Medicare or the Canadian system — but better.

Instead of having to worry about getting health insurance through your job, spouse, or buying it on your own, all New Yorkers would automatically have their healthcare covered by a public statewide fund, regardless of age, employment, or financial means. Everyone would have access to healthcare the way everyone has access to the fire department, libraries, and schools – public services provided without ever having to worry about a bill. 

The pandemic has shown us how our current healthcare system has failed.  Many, now jobless, have lost their health insurance and are now without coverage.   Even before COVID, many Bronx residents had no health insurance at all and were foregoing basic care, including regular checkups, diagnostic testing, vision care, dental care, visual care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, prescription drugs and long-term care, all of which are covered by the New York Health Act

This forum was co-sponsored by NWBronx Indivisible, Concerned Citizens for Change, Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition