Follow up from blog posted January 3, 2017

A coalition of New York City-area physicians joined this morning outside of a federally qualified health center in Manhattan to oppose the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and major cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and funding for family planning services.

Speakers explained how proposed cuts to these programs would dramatically increase the number of uninsured, harm their patients, and all but destroy New York City’s health care safety net. Commissioner of the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Dr. Mary Bassett said, “We cannot remain silent in the face of threats to programs and policies that need to be expanded, like the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and Medicare, SNAP, and WIC.” HCFANY member Mark Hannay of Metro NY Health Care for All Campaign, emceed the event.

The coalition is committed to continuing to organize for the protection of patients and communities. They said they will continue to pressure members of Congress to reject bills and government appointments that would jeopardize our nation’s health.

A video of the full press conference is available here.