NY Healthcare: Access & Coverage
- New York's recently released Senate and Assembly budget proposals show both promise and disappointment for health care advocates.
- The budget includes increased primary care spending through the Primary Care Investment Act and strengthens maternal and reproductive health care access.
- Less than 5 cents of every health care dollar in the U.S.
New York’s budget proposes vital shifts in healthcare, but primary_keyword access and coverage face a mixed fate. Increased primary care spending and strengthened maternal health support highlight the good news,while crucial measures are notably absent. The budget expands Medicaid coverage for lactation support and scrutinizes healthcare transactions more closely.Yet, the “No Blank Checks Act” and the “Fair Pricing Act” are missing, leaving coverage gaps. News Directory 3 reports that the Community Service Society of New York urges action. The state’s response to potential federal Medicaid cuts is key, especially for vulnerable mothers. Discover what’s next for New York healthcare as advocates push for greater consumer protection.
New York Budget Addresses Primary Care and Maternal Health Access
Updated May 25, 2025
New York’s recently released Senate and Assembly budget proposals show both promise and disappointment for health care advocates. While some key policy items are included, the Community Service Society of New York (CSSNY) notes that critical measures to protect and improve health care coverage for many New Yorkers where left out.
The budget includes increased primary care spending through the Primary Care Investment Act and strengthens maternal and reproductive health care access. It also expands Medicaid coverage for lactation support services, allowing certified lactation consultants to enroll as Medicaid providers and covering breast pump supplies.
One key area of focus is primary care. Less than 5 cents of every health care dollar in the U.S. goes to primary care, even though thes providers handle a third of all visits. In New York, nearly 70% of emergency room visits are for non-emergency issues, more than double the national rate. The Senate’s budget includes provisions from the Primary Care Investment Act, requiring insurance carriers to increase primary care spending by 1% annually, reaching 12.5%. CSSNY says that investment in primary care can reduce chronic diseases and overall health care spending, with 79% of New Yorkers supporting this measure.
The budget also addresses maternal health. Black mothers in New york are five times more likely to experience a pregnancy-related death than White mothers. The legislature is showing greater support for maternal and reproductive health care, especially as almost half of births in New York are covered by Medicaid. With potential federal funding cuts to Medicaid, New York can use the budget to protect access to care for mothers.
The New York Department of Health’s (DOH) oversight of health care transactions is also being strengthened, requiring public disclosure and participation during the transaction process. This includes mergers,acquisitions,or partnerships administering contracts with health plans,third-party administrators,pharmacy benefit managers,or health care providers. The Senate’s budget extends the notification timeframe for closures from 60 to 90 days.
Though, CSSNY urges amendments to improve openness and consumer engagement, including full public disclosure of material transactions, extending the filing time, and allowing public input on proposed transactions to the DOH.
Several initiatives were not included in the One-House Budgets, including the No blank checks Act, which would create a uniform patient financial liability form with a good faith estimate of costs. Also missing is the Fair Pricing Act, which would limit prices on routine medical services to 150% of the Medicare rate. the budget does not redistribute some of the $1.4 billion from Managed Care Organization (MCO) tax revenue for direct patient support and a rainy-day fund.
CSSNY says that patients often sign forms agreeing to pay any charges not covered by insurance before receiving care, essentially signing a “blank check.” The No Blank Checks Act would address this by providing upfront cost estimates. According to CSSNY, 92% of New Yorkers support requiring hospitals and doctors to provide these estimates.
The Fair Pricing Act, capping prices for routine services at 150% of Medicare rates, could save New York an estimated $1.1 billion, including $213 million in reduced out-of-pocket costs for new Yorkers. CSSNY says that 86% of New Yorkers support this measure.
CSSNY urges the Governor and Legislature to reallocate some MCO tax revenue to support patients directly. With potential federal cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act programs, the state can use this revenue to protect access to health care coverage by allocating funds to principal reserves or rainy-day funds.
What’s next
The Community Service Society of New York urges New Yorkers to contact their representatives in Congress to protect health care access. Further comments on the final state budget releases are expected.