Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R,C,I,Ref-Lyons) adamantly opposes the single-payer health care system that Majority state legislators are advocating this Legislative Session. The proposal comes with the possibility of raising New Yorker’s income taxes by $1,600 a month, which is nearly $20,000 annually. This would be government-mandated, regulated and controlled health care, which would limit a New Yorker’s ability to make choices about their health care, including where a person can get and who can provide treatment and care.

“New York is already one of the highest taxed states in the nation, more taxes is the last thing we need,” said Manktelow. “Instead of helping New Yorkers, we would be raising taxes, restricting health care options, delaying treatments and testing, and weakening the expectations for quality care. There is little support on this system statewide, largely due to the tax hike and delays in care. Instead, we should create 529-style health care savings accounts so families can make their own choices when it comes to their health care. Not only does this put the decision directly in the hands of New Yorkers, it also would make health care companies compete, thus providing the best offers to all New Yorkers.”

The proposal for a 529-style healthcare savings account would reduce costs and safeguard health care choice for New Yorkers statewide. Contributions made to such an account would be tax free, just like that of a 529 college savings account.