Cuomo emphasized, “This is not a partisan issue, and the stakes are too high to continue to play petty politics. I call on Congress to renew these essential health care programs.” He is also encouraging New Yorkers to call their representatives to “protect our health care.”
On the other hand, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said the federal government is attacking the New York’s healthcare system. She added, “Our children and the most vulnerable among us are their targets. Enough is enough. Congress needs to stop playing politics over people’s lives.”
Meanwhile, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said the “Congress is again placing dollar signs before vital signs.” It is putting hundreds of thousands of New York children at risk.
According to Zucker, Cuomo will call a special session of the Legislature if Congress fails to reauthorize CHIP. However, he emphasized that it is unlikely the Legislature can fill a $1 billion funding gap to continue providing coverage for children currently covered by the program.
