The #Coverage4All campaign seeks to expand access to health coverage for all New Yorkers, including immigrants
The objective of #Coverage4All is to create a state health insurance program that provides its services regardless of the immigration status of those interested. This campaign is being led by the New York Immigration Coalition and Make the Road New York.
Measure A880A/S1572A has been proposed before the New York State Senate and Assembly and is seen as a priority for fiscal year 2023. This law seeks to create a state-funded Essential Plan for all New Yorkers, from up to 200% of the federal poverty level, as they are currently excluded due to their immigration status.
According to information from the Census, in New York, 6.1% of those considered to be under 65 years of age do not have health insurance. Approximately 1.1 million New Yorkers do not have health insurance, and despite paying their taxes do not receive health benefits. Additionally, nearly 154,000 low-income New Yorkers are ineligible for health coverage due to their immigration status.
On the other hand, the Community Services Society and the Citizens Budget Commission, explains that insuring 46,000 uninsured people would result in savings of up to 19 million in uncompensated care costs.
#Coverage4All also highlights the work done by immigrant New Yorkers during the pandemic, as they represent 54% of the state's essential workers. What keeps them exposed to infections and complications from COVID-19.
In this sense, around 8,200 New Yorkers died from COVID-19, due to the lack of medical coverage, just over 2,000 were undocumented immigrants. Deaths that could have been avoided if they had had medical coverage.
“New York has a history of providing some coverage to immigrant communities excluded from federal programs. More recently, compared to other states, we are falling behind. The state must continue to move forward where federal policies fall short and lead nationally on immigrant health care issues by enacting a state-funded Essential Immigrant Plan,” explains #Coverage4All.
