In 2025, New York State has implemented several initiatives to enhance healthcare access for low-income residents, aiming to reduce financial barriers and improve health outcomes.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a policy eliminating insulin co-pays on state-regulated insurance plans. This initiative is the most expansive prohibition against insulin cost-sharing in the nation, providing financial relief to New Yorkers and improving adherence to these life-saving medications. With 1.8 million New Yorkers diagnosed with diabetes, the proposal is estimated to save eligible individuals up to $1,200 per year, and an estimated $14 million in 2025 alone.
New York State has made significant progress in reducing the uninsured rate. Since the launch of the NY State of Health marketplace in 2013, the uninsured rate has decreased from over 10% to approximately 5%, ranking the state 10th nationally for uninsured rates and the lowest among large states. This reduction has been achieved through increased access to health insurance options, benefiting low-income individuals and families.
Launched in 2019, NYC Care is a health care access program designed to provide universal health care to New York City residents who are ineligible for health insurance. As of fiscal year 2022, enrollment surpassed 100,000 individuals. The program offers no-cost or low-cost medical services at any hospitals or clinics run by NYC Health + Hospitals, with costs determined by income and family size. NYC Care provides members with a primary care doctor, 24-hour customer service, and discounts on medications.
A coalition in New York is advocating for state legislation to cap medical bills at hospitals that own outpatient clinics, aiming to standardize healthcare costs and prevent hospitals from charging more than private practices. The proposed “Fair Pricing Act” seeks to cap patient billing costs at 150% of Medicare rates for seniors and ban adding facility fees to routine services. This initiative is backed by groups such as the NAACP and the Hispanic Federation, with the goal of making healthcare more affordable for low-income New Yorkers.
These initiatives reflect New York State’s commitment to improving healthcare access for low-income residents. By eliminating insulin co-pays, expanding health insurance coverage, providing universal health care through NYC Care, and proposing legislation to cap hospital clinic bills, the state aims to reduce financial barriers and enhance health outcomes for its most vulnerable populations.
