Governor Kathy Hochul visited Western New York during National Health Center Week to raise concerns about recent federal actions that she says threaten health care access for thousands of state residents. She was joined by local elected officials and community leaders in warning that the so-called “Big Ugly Bill,” passed by Congressional Republicans, will result in major cuts to health coverage and services.
According to Governor Hochul, the legislation removes health care coverage from 1.5 million New Yorkers and cuts funding for food assistance programs. The governor stated that these changes will particularly affect NY-24, where an estimated 31,388 people are expected to lose their health insurance. In addition, average monthly costs for couples purchasing Marketplace insurance with tax credits could rise by 33 percent.
“Washington Republicans slashed health care services for Western New Yorkers to fund tax cuts for their billionaire buddies, and my administration is fighting back using the full weight of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “As a mom who raised two kids in Western New York, I understand the affordability crisis facing working families. These devastating cuts will leave families unable to afford doctors appointments or life-saving treatments — it’s wrong, it’s unacceptable and I’ll fight like hell to protect New Yorkers in harm’s way.”
Dr. James McDonald, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, also addressed the impact of these changes: “These reckless, unprecedented cuts threaten the health and wellbeing of tens of thousands of New Yorkers. When families lose access to care and hospitals lose critical funding, everyone suffers. During National Health Center Week, we should be expanding access, not dismantling it. I thank Governor Hochul for consistently standing up for New Yorkers and protecting the essential health services they need and deserve.”
The district faces a total fiscal loss exceeding $241 million as a result of these policy shifts. Hospitals alone are projected to lose more than $31 million due to increased uncompensated care stemming from newly uninsured patients.
State officials warn that broader effects across New York include destabilization of insurance programs statewide and a potential annual fiscal hit approaching $13 billion. Estimates indicate more than 2 million residents may lose current insurance coverage—730,000 through Essential Plan reductions (after over half its federal budget is cut) and another 1.3 million due to new Medicaid eligibility requirements—resulting in higher uncompensated hospital costs and reduced access overall.
Analyses from groups such as the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) and Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) project an annual reduction of $8 billion in funding for hospitals across the state—a scenario that could lead some facilities to downsize operations or even close.
Representative Tim Kennedy commented on the situation: “This Big Ugly Law is an assault on working families by Trump and Congressional Republicans, who are gutting healthcare to bankroll tax breaks for billionaires. These cruel cuts rip health insurance coverage away from our neighbors, drive up costs for families already struggling to get by, and force our hospitals to make impossible choices. As an occupational therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating it is when people can’t access the care they need – and I will not stop fighting to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. I’m proud to stand with Governor Hochul and my partners in government to defend the right to affordable, quality healthcare and demand that Congressional Republicans Cancel the Cuts.”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes added: “Spending cuts at the federal level will have dire consequences for not only the uninsured but also for the insured- as the price of health care will rise. I stand with our Governor in condemning this ‘Big Ugly Bill’ that does nothing but fill the coffers of billionaires.”
Other local leaders echoed concerns about increased burdens on hospitals as well as negative effects on working-class families.
The proposed changes come at a time when community organizations emphasize continued support is necessary so rural and urban areas alike can maintain basic primary care services.
