1/13: Healthcare Justice Demonstration at Trump Tower

We are in a life or death fight for our healthcare. Republican proposals will cause millions of people to lose insurance coverage. Those who have coverage will see the return of illegal tactics by private insurance corporations to deny and restrict their access to healthcare. Remember, the only way they make money is when they don’t pay for the healthcare you need. 

What: Healthcare Justice Demonstration at Trump Tower
When: Friday, January 13th, 4PM – 5PM
Where: Trump Tower (5th Ave between 56th and 57th St)
Who: All people who believe we can’t go back on healthcare reform and that we need to keep fighting for Universal Healthcare, Medicare for All!

 

trump_tower-0-0Join healthcare justice advocates at Trump Tower just hours before we kick off the annual Single-Payer Strategy Conference in NYC.

Healthcare is a Human Right.

RSVP on Facebook or at healthcare-now.org

Jan 13-15: Single-Payer Strategy Conference in NYC

Healthcare-Now!’s annual Single-Payer Strategy Conference is coming to NYC! Join us, Jan. 13-15th, and hundred’s of single-payer advocates from across the country. This is a great opportunity to learn more about single-payer healthcare and efforts to pass legislation at the federal and state level including New York. There will be workshops and plenaries by people dedicated to making Healthcare A Human Right for all.

The event kicks off with a Single-Payer Rally at Trump Tower – Fri, Jan 13 (4-5pm).

Ticket & Event Info

Conference Agenda

To Volunteer: Email us at hcn.nyc@gmail.com

HCNNYC_Cover_MD1Schedule of Events

FRIDAY

4PM-5PM: Single-Payer Healthcare Rally at Trump Tower

7PM-9PM: Conference Reception at Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 2nd floor, 481 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001

SAT & SUN

Saturday (9AM-6PM) and Sunday (9AM-noon) Conference at AFSCME District Council 37, 125 Barclay St, New York, NY 10007

May 27: NYS Assembly to Vote on Universal, Single Payer Healthcare Bill

Our day has come, the New York Health Act — the universal, single payer health care bill — is coming to the floor of the NY State Assembly for a debate and vote TODAY, Wed, MAY 27, 2015. The session starts at 3PM.

Passing truly universal health care in New York State will change the debate, sending a message nationwide that people want health care treated as a right, not a commodity only for those who can afford to pay. It’s a vital step in building a campaign that will win the right to health care for all.

We still need your help: call your Assembly Member NOW and urge them to vote YES on the New York Health Act (A.5062) at 518-455-4100.

If you haven’t yet, sign and share the petition to Speaker Heastie thanking him for his support. Over 600 people have already signed and hundreds have mailed post cards. Spread the word far and wide via social media!

Tune in at 3PM to watch the Assembly proceedings live online here. And follow us on Facebook or Twitter at @NYHCampaign for live updates.

We couldn’t have done this without you; be there as we make history.

Tues, April 28: Single Payer Lobby Day Deadline

On Tues, May 5, 2015 advocates will gather in Albany to rally and lobby in support of the Gottfried/Perkins New York Health Act (A5062/S3525).

We need a health care system that doesn’t bankrupt us when we get sick. We need a health care system that allows doctors and nurses to spend time with their patients delivering care, not fighting insurance company bureaucrats. We need a health care system that puts us in line with the rest of the industrialized world by covering every resident, leaving no one out.

RSVP by April 28th to guarantee a seat on the bus and in the meetings with legislators. Transportation is being organized across the state including from Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Ithaca, New York City, Long Island, and Staten Island.

We need YOU to pass the bill in the state Assembly this session.

Join us because health care is a human right, not just a luxury for those who can pay!

May 5th: Statewide Single Payer Lobby Day

On Tuesday, May 5, 2015 advocates from across New York State will gather in Albany to rally and lobby in support of the Gottfried/Perkins New York Health Act (A5062/S3525).

The New York Health Act will create a publicly funded, universal, single-payer healthcare system in our state, guaranteeing healthcare to all New York State residents with no out of pocket costs. Everyone will be covered, regardless of immigration or employment status. Unions will be able to negotiate for wage increases, instead of struggling to keep their benefits. New York State could negotiate better drug prices by creating a statewide market with more purchasing power.

Providers will have streamlined billing and payment procedures – no more haggling with insurance companies. Employers will have lower, predictable costs, without restrictive networks. Local governments will save on public employee benefits.

RSVP today for lobby day and get free transportation to Albany!

More information at nyhcampaign.org.

Upcoming Events

Single Payer Lobby Day Training

Join PNHP NY Metro for a Lobby Day Training on Sunday, April 12th, 11am – 3pm. This session will prepare you to advocate for a universal, single-payer healthcare system that puts people over profit.

WHEN: Sun, April 12, 2015 at 11am – 3pm

WHERE: NYSNA – 131 W 33rd St, 4th Floor

RSVP HERE

This event is free and open to all. Lunch included. Wheelchair accessible.

Tues, March 10: PNHP-NY Metro Forum: “How Will We Pay for Single Payer Heathcare?”

 

Join Physicians for a National Health Program NY Metro for a presentation on the first-ever study of how to finance single payer healthcare in NY State:

“How Will We Pay for Single Payer Heathcare?”

Featuring:
Gerald Friedman, PhD, Chair of the Department of Economics, UMass Amherst

Moderator:
Steve Toff, New York State Nurses Association

Dr. Friedman will present on the first-ever economic impact study of how a universal, publicly financed single payer health care system will be funded in New York State. Based on the Gottfried/Perkins New York Health Act, this study provides the facts and figures we need to fight for a system that puts people over profits!

How will we pay for single payer? How much will it cost? Who will save money? How much savings can we expect? How will single payer impact jobs? How will this impact medical bankruptcies and out of pocket costs?

Help spread the word, download and share the flyer!

RSVP HERE

When:  Tuesday, March 10, 7:30PM
Where:
10 Union Square East at 14th Street, 2nd Floor Auditorium

New York: State Assembly Announces Hearings on Single Payer

SPEAK UP FOR SINGLE PAYER

UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE IN NEW YORK

The New York State Assembly Health Committee will be holding hearings on the New York Health Bill in six cities across the state from Dec 4th to Jan 13th. This is your chance to speak up for the need for a universal, single payer healthcare system in New York state.

If you answer yes to any of the questions below or have another story to share about how the current for-profit system affects you, please attend and/or testify at this hearing.

  • Are you uninsured or underinsured?
  • Have you ever delayed care because you couldn’t afford the copay or deductible?
  • Have you ever stayed in a job just to keep your health insurance?
  • Have you ever been denied necessary care by your insurance company?
  • Have you ever had to file for bankruptcy because of medical debt?
  • Are you a medical professional who is frustrated with the barriers that private health insurance companies create?
  • Do you have to make difficult choices between paying your health care premium and other bills?

Show your support.

RSVP to attend the hearing.

Even if you don’t plan to testify, please attend to show your support for making health care a right for all New Yorkers! 

Deadline: If you do plan to testify at the NYC Hearing on Tues, Dec 16 please let us know by Dec 9th in order to secure your place at the hearing.

Sat, 10/25: Writer’s Workshop for Health Advocates

WHAT: Writer’s Workshop by PNHP NY-Metro

WHEN: Sat 10/25 10am – 1pm

WHERE: 220 5th Ave, 5th Floor, Manhattan

PNHP NY-Metro‘s Writers’ Workshop will review tips and tricks for building relationships with local press, writing powerful letters to the editor and op-eds to raise visibility for the support of truly universal, single-payer health care, and incorporating social media into our work.

This workshop will emphasize the importance of telling our stories and testimonials in accessing health care in a market-based system. All are welcome.

This workshop is free and open to the public. Coffee and light refreshments available to those who RSVP

Questions? Email annette@pnhpnymetro.org or call 212-485-6235.

Join the Health Contingent at the People’s Climate March 9/21

This September, world leaders are coming to New York City for a landmark Climate Summit at the United Nations. But if we look at the progress (or lack of) made at previous Summits, we shouldn’t trust those leaders to take action on their own — we need to prove to them that the world’s people demand action right now.

Join the health contingent at the People’s Climate March!

Sunday, September 21

9:00 am – Meet at W 59th St & 10th Ave, in front of Roosevelt Hospital

9:30 am – Press conference in front of Roosevelt Hospital

10:00 am – March to the Assembly Point for the health contingent at W. 66th St and Central Park West (enter at 72nd Sts).

11:30 am – March begins. Show up early and secure a spot in the line up!

To stay up-to-date on the day of the march, text @HealthHubPCM to 23559.

For more information on the health contingent, visit peoplesclimate.org/health

July 30: Medicare Turns 49 – Make a call for Medicare for All!

Medicare, one of our country’s most popular social insurance programs, turns 49 today. After nearly half a century of providing health insurance to seniors and those with disabilities, Medicare keeps administrative costs down[1] and recipients happy.[2]  All while being our country’s largest single-payer health insurance program covering nearly 50 million people.[3]
 
But what is the effect of having Medicare compete with a multi-payer private health insurance system based on profit?
 
In NYC, 20 hospitals have closed over the last decade. 10-12 more hospitals are under threat of closure and others are reducing vital health services. Even with expanded access to health insurance, our community health care infrastructure suffers because of long time trends in unequal reimbursements for health care services at institutions that care for the uninsured and underinsured.[4]
 
It’s clear we need Medicare For All now more than ever. We need a truly universal, single payer system to improve and expand our healthcare system, eliminating disparities based on insurance and income status.
 
With Medicare For All, we can improve and expand health services and save money (an estimated $400 billion a year!) 

We need your help to celebrate Medicare’s 49th by contacting Senators Gillibrand and Schumer. Tell them:  
 
I’m calling because today is Medicare’s 49th Anniversary. After nearly 50 years of success, we need improved Medicare for All. Stop closing hospitals and cutting vital health services in New York. Support Sen. Sanders bill for universal, single-payer healthcare,  S. 1782, The American Health Security Act. 
 
Sen. Gillibrand: 202-224-4451
 
Sen. Schumer: 202-224-6542 
 
Prefer email? Go here.
 
Happy birthday, Medicare!
In solidarity, 
The HCN NYC Team