Governor Kathy Hochul met with elected officials and community leaders in Western New York during National Health Center Week to address concerns about recent federal health care cuts. The focus was on the effects of what state officials call the “Big Ugly Bill,” which they say will remove health care coverage from 1.5 million New Yorkers, reduce funding for food assistance programs, and increase costs for small businesses.
State estimates show that approximately 31,388 residents in the NY-24 district are expected to lose their health care coverage as a result of these changes. The average couple purchasing Marketplace insurance with tax credits could see their costs rise by 33 percent, or $259 per month. Local hospitals are projected to lose $31,247,472 due to increased uncompensated care costs stemming from newly uninsured individuals. The total fiscal impact for NY-24 is estimated at over $241 million.
Governor Hochul criticized the cuts: “Washington Republicans slashed health care services for Western New Yorkers to fund tax cuts for their billionaire buddies, and my administration is fighting back using the full weight of New York State,” she said. “As a mom who raised two kids in Western New York, I understand the affordability crisis facing working families. These devastating cuts will leave families unable to afford doctors appointments or life-saving treatments — it’s wrong, it’s unacceptable and I’ll fight like hell to protect New Yorkers in harm’s way.”
Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, stated: “These reckless, unprecedented cuts threaten the health and wellbeing of tens of thousands of New Yorkers. When families lose access to care and hospitals lose critical funding, everyone suffers. During National Health Center Week, we should be expanding access, not dismantling it. I thank Governor Hochul for consistently standing up for New Yorkers and protecting the essential health services they need and deserve.”
According to analysis from hospital associations cited by state officials, more than two million people across New York could lose current insurance coverage under these changes—730,000 losing Essential Plan coverage after a loss of $7.5 billion in federal funding and 1.3 million losing Medicaid due to new eligibility requirements. Of those affected statewide, an estimated 1.5 million would become uninsured.
Uncompensated care costs for hospitals may rise above $3 billion annually statewide if these projections hold true. The Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) and Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) estimate annual losses totaling $8 billion for hospitals across the state—a situation that could lead some facilities to reduce or eliminate services such as maternity care or psychiatric treatment.
Representative Tim Kennedy said: “This Big Ugly Law is an assault on working families by Trump and Congressional Republicans, who are gutting healthcare to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires. These cruel cuts rip health insurance coverage away from our neighbors, drive up costs for families already struggling to get by, and force our hospitals to make impossible choices…I’m proud to stand with Governor Hochul and my partners in government to defend the right to affordable, quality healthcare and demand that Congressional Republicans Cancel the Cuts.”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes commented: “Spending cuts at the federal level will have dire consequences for not only the uninsured but also for the insured- as the price of health care will rise. I stand with our Governor in condemning this “Big Ugly Bill” that does nothing but fill the coffers of billionaires.”
Assemblymember Bill Conrad added: “There is of course nothing ‘beautiful’ about this reckless bill…Cuts this broad to healthcare are not only short-sighted, they’re senseless and cruel…I proudly stand with Governor Hochul and New York State’s leadership in condemning the hurtful, harmful agenda of the Republican Majority in Washington.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera stated: “At a time when New Yorkers are still recovering from recent economic and public health crises…These devastating health care cuts will rip coverage away from 1.5 million New Yorkers…During National Health Center Week we must make it clear: access to health care is a right not a privilege.”
Niagara-Orleans Labor Council President Jim Briggs remarked: “This bill is big and beautiful if you are a billionaire…For the rest of us it is a big and ugly hurt especially for those who struggle most…But alongside Governor Hochul and Congressman Kennedy we will never stop fighting for families and our future.”
Dr. LaVonne Ansari PhD., CEO & Executive Director at Community Health Center of Buffalo Inc., said: “Access to quality healthcare is essential for every New Yorker…Her leadership helps protect well-being — not just now but generations to come.”
