Maintaining healthcare coverage for New Yorkers amidst significant federal health-related setbacks
In the heart of New York City, the Community Service Society (CSSNY) has been a beacon of hope for working and low-income residents for over 180 years. Established in 1849, CSSNY's mission remains as relevant today as it was then: to improve the lives of New Yorkers, particularly in the realm of healthcare access.
Back in 2012, then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg proposed the creation of the Essential Plan, a health insurance program funded by federal dollars for legally present individuals whose income is above the Medicaid threshold or who do not qualify due to immigration status. Elisabeth Benjamin, the vice president and managing director of health initiatives at CSSNY, played a pivotal role in the creation of this plan, as well as in a service that helps people navigate their health coverage.
CSSNY's efforts didn't stop at the proposal stage. The organisation collaborated with hospitals, lawmakers, insurance companies, and stakeholders to bring the Essential Plan to fruition. Today, CSSNY designs and implements New York State's Essential Plan, offering free coverage to individuals above the Medicaid income cutoff or not eligible due to immigration status.
In addition to the Essential Plan, CSSNY operates a toll-free help line (888-614-5400) for patients to reach out for assistance with health coverage issues. The organisation also has special programs for aged, disabled, and mentally ill individuals using managed long-term care services.
However, recent legislation, such as the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed by a Republican-led Congress in July, poses a significant threat to the U.S. safety net. This bill aims to make significant cuts, and experts predict it could result in 15 million people being removed from Medicaid by 2034. The bill also ends subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans, potentially causing plan costs to rise by 75%.
These changes have been met with dismay by healthcare advocates, including Elisabeth Benjamin. She expressed her concerns, stating that the bill significantly reduces healthcare help for immigrants, even those lawfully present in the U.S.
Despite these challenges, CSSNY continues its work, conducting regular case reviews with community-based navigators to share knowledge and learn from one another. The organisation also trains patient navigators at community groups, ensuring a consistent approach across all programs.
Moreover, all client data entered by CSSNY and its navigators is stored in a secure, password- and HIPAA-protected database. This commitment to privacy and security underscores CSSNY's dedication to its clients and their wellbeing.
In her daily work at CSSNY, Elisabeth Benjamin focuses on improving healthcare access for New Yorkers. Her efforts, along with those of CSSNY, continue to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals across the city.
