The Assembly Health Committee is holding a series of six public hearings across the state to examine the effectiveness and costs of the current health insurance system and how a single payer system would work as a replacement. A single payer system is a model wherein the government is the primary payer of care.
The proposal for “NY Health” folds in Medicare, Medicaid, Family Health Plus and Child Health Plus while replacing much of what Obamacare established. Coverage would be publicly funded through a payroll tax and a tax on high earners.
NFIB/NY State Director submitted testimony on behalf of the organization and cited that health care, and health care costs in particular, are among the top concerns for nearly two-thirds of small business owners. Durant stated, “Taking into consideration the significant impact of escalating health care costs and an uncertain environment as the Affordable Care Act continues to be implemented, it is extremely problematic that any consideration is being given to changing the health insurance delivery system.”