New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced the Assembly passed legislation he sponsored that would create a universal plan to cover every New York State resident, known as the New York Health Act (A.5062-A). “Health care is a fundamental human right – not a luxury,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Access to quality health insurance can literally be the difference between life and death. Instead of stressing over high co-pays and skyrocketing insurance premiums, we can ensure that every New Yorker has the coverage they need. The Assembly is committed to putting people over profits and increasing opportunities for all.” The New York Health Act would establish a universal health care system, known as New York Health, and would expand coverage eligibility to include all residents, regardless of wealth, income, age or health status. In addition, every enrollee would have access to the full range of doctors and service providers offered. Benefits would include comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care, primary and preventive care, prescription drug costs, laboratory testing, rehabilitative care, dental, vision and hearing care. As with private insurance, out-of-state care would be covered; both when residents are traveling and need health services or when there is a clinical reason to receive care outside the state, Thiele noted. Those providing or coordinating care would be fully paid by New York Health, with no co-pays or other charges to patients. Funding for the system would be based on a shared 80/20 employer/employee payroll tax contribution, eliminating the “regressive tax” of premiums, co-pays and deductibles currently imposed on patients regardless of their ability to pay. “Too many people are faced with rising costs and crushing medical bills, and in some cases, it’s causing them to go without critical care,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “Universal health care will help get the focus back on prevention and wellness, which will ultimately rein in health care costs and save taxpayer dollars.” With health care costs increasing nationally, considerable research has shown that a universal health care system would reduce costs and pass savings along to patients, consumers and taxpayers. A 2009 state Department of Health report showed that this type of system would provide the lowest cost for universal coverage in comparison to systems relying on private and employer-based insurance.¹ In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites wellness and preventive health care as key measures that will help people live longer, more productive lives while reducing overall health care costs.² ______________________________________