NYS Senate approves bill giving illegal immigrants health care
After receiving a federal waiver, the New York State Senate Democrats have passed legislation to provide low-cost health care to migrants. The bill, sponsored by State Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera, aims to enroll at least 240,000 migrants and is estimated to cost at least $1 billion per year, which will be covered by federal funds. The bill has yet to pass the Assembly. The waiver from the federal Department of Health and Human Services ensures federal funding for five years, beginning in 2024. The legislation has received support from Democrats, including Governor Kathy Hochul, while Republicans have expressed concerns over the potential costs of the program if federal funds dry up and the morality of providing social services to people without legal authorization to be in the county.
FAQs:
1. What is the legislation passed by the New York State Senate Democrats?
The legislation passed by the New York State Senate Democrats aims to provide low-cost health care to migrants after the federal government agreed to provide the cash.
2. Who sponsored the bill?
The bill was sponsored by State Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera.
3. What will be the source of funding for the program?
The program will be funded by federal funds that are estimated to cost at least $1 billion per year.
4. What are the eligibility requirements for the program?
The State Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald has broad discretion to determine eligibility requirements so that costs do not exceed the amount of federal money coming in.
5. What is the waiver from the federal Department of Health and Human Services?
The waiver from the federal Department of Health and Human Services ensures federal funding for five years, beginning in 2024. The waiver ensures that the federal government will cover the cost of the low-cost health care program for migrants.
Bill granting health care to undocumented immigrants passed by NYS Senate
The New York State Senate has voted in favor of a bill that would provide low-cost health care for migrants after federal funding was secured. The bill, which has yet to pass the Assembly, was sponsored by State Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera and aims to enroll at least 240,000 migrants. Rivera pointed out that the state is already spending over $1 billion on those in the country without providing regular healthcare, adding that the bill would allow the federal government to cover those costs. State Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald would have discretion over eligibility requirements, ensuring that costs do not exceed the federal funds coming in. Critics of the bill argue that the state should prioritize citizens and those living in the country legally if there are surplus funds available.