ALBANY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — A public hearing is expected to be held soon on legislation that would establish a single-payer health care plan in New York State.
Some lawmakers are taking another stab at this previously considered idea, saying healthcare is inaccessible due to its hefty price tag.
The bill is focused on things like expensive co-payments, prescriptions, and emergency room visits.
The bill would require a lot of money on its own.
A Rand Corporation study last year estimated the state would need to find another $139 billion in tax revenue to pay for the program in 2022.
Those who oppose the bill say the dramatic tax overheal is not necessary.
“A little more actually than 95 percent of New Yorkers have access to health insurance so we would be trying to solve a problem for the remaining five percent, which we think there are ways to do it that don’t involve blowing up the current system,” said Heather Briccetti, President and CEO of the Business Council of New York State.
These critics also say the proposal, which most closely resembles Canada’s program, may also harm healthcare quality, including increased wait time for routine procedures.
