Res. No. 84-A

Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.880A/S.1572A, to provide coverage for health care services under the basic health program for individuals whose immigration status renders them ineligible for federal financial participation.

By Council Members Hanif, Abreu, Moya, Schulman, Lee, Hudson, Brewer, Ung, Stevens, Brannan, Won, Restler, Avilés, Brooks-Powers, Menin, Joseph, Narcisse, Krishnan, Nurse, Dinowitz, De La Rosa, Ossé, Sanchez and Bottcher

Whereas, About 154,000 low-income New York City residents are ineligible for health insurance coverage because of their immigration status, according to the New York Immigration Coalition; and

Whereas, Uninsured New Yorkers often avoid medical care for fear of costs, resulting in prolonged illness, suffering and even increased risk of death; and

Whereas, According to the Health Care For All New Yorkers Campaign, when people can no longer avoid care, they may incur huge medical bills that result in uncompensated care for providers; and

Whereas, According to Community Service Society and Citizens Budget Commission, insuring 46,000 uninsured people could save New York State $19 million in uncompensated care costs; and

Whereas, Undocumented New Yorkers have been at the forefront of New York City’s fight against COVID-19, representing 31 percent of the state’s essential workers and playing a key role in all sectors of our battle against the virus; and

Whereas, According to a 2021 report by Families USA, more than 8,200 individuals in New York state died from COVID-19 due to lack of health coverage, of which an estimated 2,050 were undocumented; and

Whereas, Other states, such as California, Illinois, and Minnesota have taken bold steps to invest in the health of their immigrant residents by establishing state-only funded programs for certain groups of immigrants, such as young people and older people; and

Whereas, Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the amount of New Yorkers who are uninsured has been reduced considerably from 3 million to 1 million individuals; and

Whereas, In January, 2021, New York State Assembly Member Richard Gottfried introduced A.880A, along with its companion bill S.1572A, which was introduced by New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera, to expand eligibility for the Essential Plan, a health care plan for individuals who do not qualify for Medicaid in New York, to individuals who currently face barriers to health care coverage due to their immigration status; and

Whereas, A.880A/S.1572A aims to improve the overall healthcare system by encouraging people with serious and chronic health conditions to seek care and not delay out of fear for the cost of service; and

Whereas, By expanding coverage under the existing Essential Plan, A.880A/S.1572A will protect New Yorkers from financial hardships related to medical expenses incurred, stabilize our State’s healthcare economy, and save lives; and

Whereas, New York State’s FY 2023 enacted budget expanded health coverage for those who are undocumented, yet only if they are over 65 years old; and

Whereas, The state will also expand postpartum coverage for all individuals eligible for Medicaid while pregnant, including all immigrants, from 60 days to one year after they give birth; and

Whereas, This is not sufficient enough, and access to healthcare is an inherent human right; and

 Whereas, New York State must ensure health care is accessible for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status and age; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.880A/S.1572A, to provide coverage for health care services under the basic health program for individuals whose immigration status renders them ineligible for federal financial participation.

AH/EB

LS #7266

04/11/2022