NEW YORK MEDICAID

OUR POSITION

NYSBDC recognizes Medicaid is essential to providing millions of New York residents with health care. We support a properly funded Medicaid program that serves all qualified New York residents equally.

THE ISSUE

Medicaid is a government program that provides healthcare coverage to low income individuals and families under 65. (Individuals who earn less than $16,971 and a family of 4 earning less than $34,846 qualify for Medicaid). The New York Medicaid program is administered by the NYS Department of Health and operated through many county Medicaid offices. Medicaid is paid for through out-of-state and federal taxes and the plan rules are set by the state and federal government. Over 5 million New York State residents receive Medicaid coverage and over 500,000 signed up in 2020 alone as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic.

The pandemic has disrupted state budgets across the country, threatening to undermine Medicaid funding for 2021. However, New York had a Medicaid funding problem before the pandemic. While the NY Dept. of Health works diligently to manage Medicaid costs, there are concerns the “global spending cap” put in place by the Governor doesn’t allow the Dept. of Health to properly plan and pay for healthcare coverage for over 5 million people. Other issues center on allowing patients to receive care services at home so they can remain in their community or requiring them to become patients at a facility.

PROPOSED SOLUTION

New York State should pursue federal aid to offset revenue losses for 2021 and  realign future state budgets to reflect our focus on people centered outcomes.  

The people of New York State are our greatest asset. Ensuring everyone has access to quality, affordable healthcare is an investment in our future by allowing people to stay healthy, go to school, work,  raise families, and participate as members of a vibrant society. NY Medicaid is a key part of building that future.