Corey Johnson, a city council member who is chair of the city’s health committee, testified in support of the bill.
“We have to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their health status, their ability to pay, their zip code, their national origin, that they have the ability to see the doctors that they choose,” said Johnson.
The Opposition
But not everyone supported the bill’s proposal. Craig Hasday, who is the legislative chair of the New York State Association of Health Underwriters, said the bill doesn’t address the rising costs of health care, which insurers must pay for at increasing rates.
He said a government-run health care system encompassing the entire state is likely to come across problems with funding and how to provide prompt, efficient care.
Monday’s hearing was the fourth in a series of six hearings on the bill, being held throughout the state. The next one takes place in Mineola, Long Island.
Senator Bill Perkins has introduced a companion bill in the State Senate.
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