ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON HEALTH

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

"New York Health", a universal "single payer" health coverage bill, would replace insurance company coverage, premiums, deductibles, co-pays, limited provider networks and out-of-network charges. Instead, it would provide comprehensive, universal health coverage for every New Yorker, with a benefit package more comprehensive than commercial or other health plans, with full choices of doctors and other providers. The program would be funded by broad-based taxes based on ability to pay. It would eliminate the local share of Medicaid (which would become part of New York Health). The bill, A.5389-A/S.2078-A, was introduced by Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard N. Gottfried and Senator Bill Perkins.

This series of public hearings around the state will review the effects and costs of the current health coverage system on patients, health care providers, employers, labor, taxpayers and health and health care. It will review how the single-payer system would work in New York.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible, but no later than the dates indicated on the reply form. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Richard N. Gottfried
Member of Assembly
Chair
Committee on Health

I would like to testify at the following hearing:
[ ] Syracuse, Thursday, December 4 (please reply by Tuesday, November 25)
[ ] Rochester, Monday, December 8 (please reply by Monday, December 1)
[ ] Buffalo, Wednesday, December 10 (please reply by Monday, December 1)
[ ] New York City, Tuesday, December 16 (please reply by Tuesday, December 9)
[ ] Mineola, Wednesday, December 17 (please reply by Wednesday, December 10)
[ ] Albany, Tuesday, January 13 (please reply by Tuesday, January 6)

I plan to attend the following public hearing:
[ ] Syracuse, Thursday, December 4
[ ] Rochester, Monday, December 8
[ ] Buffalo, Wednesday, December 10
[ ] New York City, Tuesday, December 16
[ ] Mineola, Wednesday, December 17
[ ] Albany, Tuesday, January 13

I would like to be added to the Health Committee mailing list.

I will require assistance and/or handicapped accessibility information. Please specify the type of assistance required:

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