Senator Rivera's Coverage For All Passes State Senate For Second Consecutive Year

“It is unfortunate that this proposal was excluded from this year’s budget, leaving hundreds of millions of dollars in savings off the table. We have another opportunity before session ends to pass this law and seek approval with a 1332 waiver, which the federal government explicitly told us last year we could use for this purpose. New York could have saved hundreds of millions by offering health coverage to New Yorkers depending on emergency Medicaid for care rather than having access to less costly, preventive health services. The administration’s decision not to seek federal funds to cover this population is devastating for immigrant New Yorkers and I am hopeful that after successfully expanding basic coverage to DREAMers, they will agree that Coverage for All is a cost-effective solution to cover all New Yorkers. 

“I want to thank my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Conference for appreciating the urgency of reapproving this common sense public health legislation and the gains that will be generated for our healthcare system and New Yorkers. I also want to thank the incredible coalition of advocates and New Yorkers who continue to fight endlessly to make this a reality. I urge my Assembly colleagues to demonstrate the courage required to pass this momentous legislation.”