As New York State’s annual legislative session heads toward its conclusion in late June, advocates and everyday activists of all stripes have their eyes on the State Capitol to push their priorities over the finish line. Below is a rundown of what health advocates are pushing forward, how you can help, and an important meeting in Albany next week that community and union advocates are invited to attend on June 6^th.

But first off, kudos to everyone who turned out earlier this week in Albany for the historic joint Senate and Assembly public hearing on the New York Health Act, a bill to create a fully public universal health care program for all New Yorkers. Buses, vans, and car pools of supporters came from all corners of the state to witness the proceedings and give testimony. We packed the room with 250-300 people, and the hearing lasted well over 14 hours, ending just before midnight. Clearly, everyday New Yorkers care about this issue (a LOT), and are demanding action for “health care for all!” Because of YOU, this bill has now crossed over into the mainstream of political debate, and lawmakers are sitting up and paying attention.

Next steps are that we are hoping for another one-house vote in the Assembly for a fifth year in a row, and over the coming summer and fall, regional hearings on the bill will be held across the state, including in New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley. Watch for future details on dates and locations! They will set us up and give us needed momentum going into next year’s legislative session.

But in the meantime, here’s what’s up next for the month ahead:

We invite representatives from community groups and trade unions to join us in Albany next Thurs. June 6^th for the Annual Spring Meeting of Health Care for All New York (HCFANY), taking place from 10:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 1199 SEIU (155 Washington Ave.) We’ll be discussing our end-of-session legislative agenda (see below), showcasing the exciting new “We the Patients” project to empower everyday people to address the systemic causes of much medical debt, and recognizing Sen. Brad Hoylman with our “Consumer Champion of the Year” award. We’ll also be holding workshops on online and social media organizing, health system accountability, expanding coverage options for immigrants and other uninsured New Yorkers, and reining in sky-high prescription drug costs. Click here to RSVP for this meeting.

We urge people to contact their own state legislators to express support for HCFANY’s short-term agenda for 2019, including:

• Expanding coverage for uninsured low-income immigrants, and preserving it for those losing the Temporary Protected Status under new policies of the Trump administration.

• Making sure that our state’s precious charity care dollars only go to those hospitals that treat large numbers of poor and uninsured patients, and not to those that don’t.

• Stopping insurers from dropping doctors and hospitals from their provider networks and drugs from their formulary lists in the middle of a plan year without just cause.

• Expanding the scope of our state’s landmark “surprise bills” law to include charges for out-of-network emergency services.

• Regulating and licensing Pharmacy Benefit Managers so that they stop gaming the system behind their own closed doors to rake-in shady profits.

• Strengthening community and public oversight of hospital downsizing, closures, and mergers, and requiring all hospitals to establish community advisory boards that are given meaningful roles in local needs assessments and service plan development.

• Putting the state’s very successful independent consumer assistance program (“Community Health Advocates”) into law so that it is permanent, and is no longer subject to the vagaries of the annual budget process.