For second year in a row, Assembly passes universal health care bill (New York)

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For second year in a row, Assembly passes universal health care bill

By Simon Rosenbluth, Gazette staff writer on June 2, 2016

The Assembly voted 86-53 Wednesday to pass universal health care legislation in New York, marking the second time in two years the bill passed the Democrat-controlled house.

The issue of health care has received increased attention since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. But some state lawmakers, physicians, nurses and patients say the federal program doesn’t go far enough and legal challenges are still threatening its full implementation.

The New York Health bill (A.5062-a) passed by the Assembly Wednesday would provide universal, complete health care coverage to every New Yorker without deductibles, co-pays, or limited provider networks.

“Health insurance plans have now asked the state for a 17 percent rate increase, with some plans as high as 45 percent,” said Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried, lead Assembly sponsor of the bill. “Year after year, the cost of coverage for families and employers goes up faster than wages and inflation. Premiums, deductibles, co-pays, out-of-network charges, and uncontrolled drug costs undermine health care and family finances, and are a heavier burden on employers and taxpayers.”

Based on a recent national poll by Gallup, 58 percent of Americans, including 41 percent of Republicans, are in favor of a single-payer system, showing there is support for this movement....

Read more:
http://legislativegazette.com/archives/3373

Related:

Single payer health care bill sponsored by Russell clears Assembly, would provide insurance to all New Yorkers

Friday, June 3, 2016 - 9:02 am

North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, says legislation she co-sponsored that would create a universal plan to cover every New York State resident, known as the New York Health Act (A.5062-A), passed the Assembly June 1.

"I have supported the single payer system for years. Health care is a fundamental human right – not a luxury. I think including everyone in one system is the best way to control and drive down costs,” she said.

Russell, whose district includes towns bordering the St. Lawrence River plus Canton and Potsdam, said access to quality health insurance can literally be the difference between life and death.

"The Affordable Care Act was a step in the right direction, but it still has its problems. Health care is still inequitable and keeps some people from accessing basic health care," Russell said.

"People are still racking up huge bills because of high co-pays and skyrocketing premiums. We can ensure that every New Yorker has the coverage they need. We have an opportunity to put people over profits and continue the goal to make sure hard working middle-class families have the same access to quality health care as the wealthiest New Yorkers," she said...

Read more:
http://northcountrynow.com/news/single-payer-health-care-bill-sponsored-russell-clears-assembly-would-provide-insurance-all-new

[edhopper]

1. And will die

in the Republican controlled, insurance owned Senate.