165 New Yorkers Testify on proposed New York Health Act. [Audio]

At the national level, the first four Democratic primary debates discussed “Medicare for all” and how to pay for it. That topic lead all the others in total minutes.

Meanwhile, New York state’s legislature held 3 open hearings across the state to discuss the proposed New York Health Act single payer health insurance. Totaling 28 hours, over 165 people testified. 20 legislators asked questions and probed for clarity.

At last count, close to a majority of NY legislators had committed to bring the New York Health Act bill to a vote in both the senate and the assembly in the 2020 session or in about four months. If the bill passes and is signed by Governor Cuomo, New York will lead the U.S. in implementing single-payer health insurance.

Fred Balfour at the WRFI Healthcare Desk explores some of the major issues coming out of these hearings. And future programs will examine the major issues in detail.