Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Every NYC Resident To Be Guaranteed Health Coverage As Part Of Mayor's Expanded $100 Million Plan
The New York Times: De Blasio Unveils Health Care Plan For Undocumented And Low-Income New Yorkers
New York City will spend at least $100 million to ensure that undocumented immigrants and others who cannot qualify for insurance can receive medical treatment, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday, seeking to insert a city policy into two contentious national debates. The mayor has styled himself, in his 2017 re-election campaign and during his second term, as a progressive leader on issues like education and health care, and as a bulwark against the policies of President Trump, particularly on immigration. (Goodman, 1/8)
Reuters: New York City Launches $100 Million Universal Health Insurance Program
De Blasio, now in his second term as mayor of the country's most populous city, has long supported universal healthcare coverage. Extending the program to an estimated 300,000 illegal immigrants puts the Democrat at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made border security a top priority for his presidency. "No one should have to live in fear. No one should go without the health care they need. Health care is a human right. In this city, we're gonna make that a reality," de Blasio said during a news conference. "From this moment on in New York City, everyone is guaranteed the right to health care." (Cherelus, 1/8)
The Washington Post: New York City Mayor Vows Health Care For All — Including Undocumented Immigrants
De Blasio’s $100 million commitment was laden with political significance: He delivered it hours before a prime-time speech by President Trump, who was expected to defend his assertion that the country faces a crisis of illegal immigration. “I refuse the notion that these folks don’t deserve health care,” the mayor said of undocumented immigrants. “It is not only the morally right choice, but it will save taxpayers in the end.” The initiative also coincides with the start of the 2020 presidential election cycle as calls for universal coverage — often called Medicare-for-all — are emerging as a rallying cry among potential Democratic aspirants. (Goldstein, 1/8)
Bloomberg: NYC Mayor De Blasio Announces Health Care For All Plan
When asked why people should pay to insure undocumented immigrants, de Blasio answered: “You can pay me now or you can pay me later. If we don’t help people get the health care, we’re going to pay plenty on the back-end when people get really sick.” (Goldman, 1/8)
The Associated Press: Washington Governor, NY Mayor Push Expanded Health Coverage
Washington's governor and New York City's mayor unveiled major initiatives to expand health insurance coverage Tuesday, the latest moves by key Democratic leaders to address Trump administration health policies they say are keeping people from getting the care they need. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, a likely presidential candidate, proposed a publicly run health insurance option for state residents who are not covered by private employers and buying insurance off the marketplace created under former President Barack Obama's health care law. "We need to write another chapter of health care reform," said Inslee, who provided no details on how the program would be funded. (Ho, 1/8)
The Hill: Washington Governor Pushes Public Option Legislation
Reimbursement rates would be consistent with Medicare rates, Inslee said. “Under the Obama administration and the Affordable Care Act, Washington was able to make tremendous progress in expanding coverage and start bringing down costs in our health care system. Under the Trump administration, all that progress is at risk,” Inslee said in a statement. (Weixel, 1/8)
Seattle Times: Inslee Proposes ‘Public Option’ Health-Insurance Plan For Washington
“We are proposing to the state Legislature that we have a public option that is available throughout the state of Washington so that we can increase the ability to move forward on the road to universal health care in the state of Washington,” said the governor, who is considering a run for president in 2020. (Blethen and O'Sullivan, 1/8)
And in California —
Sacramento Bee: Gavin Newsom’s Health Plan Could Lower Your Insurance Costs
California’s new governor wants to reinstate the individual mandate at the state level. It’s part of a sweeping health care plan Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled just hours after being sworn into office Monday. Here’s a breakdown of what the individual mandate is, what Newsom’s proposal means and how it might affect Californians. (Bollag, 1/9)
