Immigrants and immigrant rights advocates rallied outside Gov. Kathy Hochul’s offices in Manhattan this Wednesday, demanding that expanded health coverage for all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, be included in the budget.
The protesters, including undocumented people and local leaders, backed by the organization Make the Road New York, say they are tired of living in fear because they do not have health insurance, and often without the necessary financial resources to treat an illness and maintain a life. good overall health.
“All people with papers or without papers (must) have the help of the government and the help of all the legislative people because it is a right that we deserve,” said a protester.
“We believe that there is no excuse for Governor Hochul not to include coverage for all in the budget, since there are all the conditions,” said Daysi Flores, an activist. “What’s more, if coverage for all is included, that will mean a saving for the state of 500 million dollars that is currently spent on emergency Medicaid to care for this population.”
“It doesn’t matter that we have… we have a right as human beings to have medical insurance to provide this to the entire undocumented family,” said protester Sonia Pérez.
According to ‘Make the Road New York,’ more than 255,000 people in the state have been left out of federally funded insurance.
They say those people could be supported if the state government accepts the legislation they propose, called “Coverage For All”, or Coverage For All.
