For Immediate Release:
March 14, 2022
The New York State Conference of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans (NYSCOP) applauds the Senate and Assembly for taking steps to preserve and expand access to health insurance coverage in their one-house budgets.
Both houses rejected an ill-conceived proposal to force all Medicaid managed care plans to reapply through a lengthy and costly procurement process that would result in fewer plans, limiting choices for the State’s most vulnerable population. Health plans play a vital role for the 5.7 million New Yorkers they serve. NYSCOP is pleased that the Legislature understands that forcing millions of patients to switch health plans would result in unnecessary disruption and threaten the quality of care they deserve.
NYSCOP is also pleased that both the Senate and Assembly include proposals that put universal health insurance coverage within reach. New York has been a national leader at expanding health insurance coverage, slashing our uninsured rate from more than 10% in 2013 to just 4.7% today. Nearly half of the remaining uninsured are undocumented immigrants. The vast majority of the other remaining uninsured are eligible for various coverage options today. Getting the uninsured rate to near zero is within reach. By proposing to extend coverage to undocumented immigrants through a state-funded Essential Plan, the Legislature has positioned New York to be the first state to achieve affordable universal health insurance coverage.
As Legislators and the Governor work towards a final State Budget, the New York Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans urge leaders to include measures that will not only drive down the cost of care but also increase coverage options in a practical and equitable manner.
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Media Contact:
Leanne Politi
(518) 689-7241
[email protected]