NYLPI advocated to state legislators for immediate coverage of undocumented New Yorkers who have had COVID-19. 400,000 New Yorkers do not qualify for healthcare because of their immigration status. This measure would cover more than 5,000 New Yorkers who have suffered the direct consequences of COVID-19 and need ongoing care to make a full recovery.

Coverage4All, a campaign of Healthcare for all New Yorkers, held a virtual lobby day on January 28th and NYLPI, as Steering Committee members, led meetings with state senators and assembly members to push for an expansion of the state funded Essential Plan to provide healthcare coverage for thousands of undocumented New Yorkers. We met with Senator Rivera, a sponsor of the bill, and advocated in individual meetings with Senators Comrie and Brouk, Assembly Member Perry, and the staff of many others.

The pandemic presents a grim opportunity to see the life-and-death consequences of the state’s inaction. NYLPI supports raising new revenue from more equitable taxation and dedicating a portion of new funds to make ALL low-income undocumented New Yorkers eligible for the Essential Plan (A1585/S2549).

Read more about the Coverage4All campaign here.