Single-Payer Plan for New York Could Lead the Country

Political Economy of Reform under US Federalism: Adopting Single-Payer Health Coverage in New York State

“…4840) would create "New York Health," a single-payer system covering every New Yorker without deductibles, co-pays, or restricted provider networks. 23 The most recent version of the bill passed the New York State Assembly in 2018, however, it was blocked in the Senate. The same bill has made it out of committee and passed the Assembly four other times, first in 1992, and subsequently in each of the last three Assembly sessions (2015, 2016, and 2017).…”

“…Providers would be barred from seeking or accepting additional payments for any New York Health service. 23 This stipulation would further reduce the potential alternative role that insurance companies might play in the future in offering supplementary and complementary insurance plans.…”

“…19 According to UMASS study, New York Health would cut $71 billion from the cost of care in New York, which could be used raise payment rates for Medicaid and Medicare providers to rates comparable to commercial insurance. 23 Nevertheless, some legislators have raised concern that if providers face reduced pay, they could opt to leave the state, exacerbating the possibility of a provider shortage thereby increasing wait times.…”

“…20 The current proposal requires the Governor to develop a plan that would be based on a payroll tax with an 80% employer contribution and 20% employee contribution and taxes other taxable income (e.g., interest, dividend, etc.). 23 These are the assumptions that the RAND report used to derive its estimates, though specific brackets and rates would be set during an implementation period and would likely require Gubernatorial support. 23 Financing of the New York Health Act was not considered as part of the budget process that governs New York State, but presumably, if adopted, the ultimate budget would be set through this process.…”

“…23 These are the assumptions that the RAND report used to derive its estimates, though specific brackets and rates would be set during an implementation period and would likely require Gubernatorial support. 23 Financing of the New York Health Act was not considered as part of the budget process that governs New York State, but presumably, if adopted, the ultimate budget would be set through this process. Given the power the Executive has over the budgeting process in New York, 49 this could pose a challenge.…”