MEDICAID BUY-IN:
HUNDREDS RALLY
AT CAPITOL
ALBANY, NY - June 5, 2001
 Representatives from forty-seven statewide groups held a press
conference and rally at the Capitol to seek a comprehensive Medicaid Buy-In
program for New Yorkers with disabilities. Many of the speakers were people
with disabilities who did not want to be left out of the buy-in program.
Jim Leftwich, who recently completed
a Master's Degree in Library Science, commented, "Without a Medicaid Buy-In,
reentering the workforce would pose serious risk. In frustration with the slow
progress in the New York State Senate and the Governor's version of the bill, I
am now looking to relocate to a progressive state like Connecticut." Each
speaker also highlighted the importance of five key provisions either reduced
or left out of Governor Pataki's plan. Michael Hellmann of Westchester County
stated, "I am an attorney employed as a part-time advocate. The Governor's plan
will close me out of most upper level attorney jobs. I need the 'Work and
Wellness Act' to achieve my career goal, especially given the higher cost of
living in the New York City area."
Several statewide disability rights
leaders presented arguments to support a more comprehensive buy-in program like
the "Work and Wellness Act." "Expanding participation to individuals above 250%
of the federal poverty level is not a costly proposition," said Harvey
Rosenthal of NYAPRS. "These individuals contribute a greater amount of new
state tax revenue, are more likely to have employer-sponsored health insurance
to act as a wrap around to the Medicaid, and pay most, if not all, of the full
premium cost." Michael Kink of Housing Works agreed, adding, "The State of
California passed a buy-in program last year similar to what the Governor has
proposed. Less than 400 people have enrolled to date! People see its
limitations and assess it to be too much of a risk." The Governor's Office has
since agreed to reexamine the fiscal implications for the program based on the
new information .
The press conference and rally
received significant coverage in the following television, radio and print
media markets: CBS Affiliate WRGB, New York Week in Review, Inside Albany, NPR
Affiliate WAMC - FM, WROW - AM, Times Union, Ottaway News Service, and The
Legislative Gazette.
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