Members press New York State lawmakers to step up and save critical healthcare providers after Washington, DC abandoned them.

Thousands of 1199 members boarded buses from Buffalo, Plattsburgh, Long Island and everywhere in between to make their voices heard on January 12 in Albany, the New York State capital. Facing unprecedented federal healthcare cuts, members declared a “Code Red” for vital healthcare services for vulnerable New Yorkers — demanding that state lawmakers plug the gap.

One week later, on Jan. 20, New York Governor Kathy Hochul pledged $1.325 billion in new state investments to shore up safety net hospitals, nursing homes and benefits for home care members. 1199SEIU will continue to push for the full $2 billion in additional funding that is necessary to stabilize the healthcare industry. But Governor Hochul’s budget proposal represents a strong down payment to address the crisis.

1199ers are warning their elected representatives that without significant action by New York State, the planned federal Medicaid cuts will lead to hospital shutdowns and unprecedented job losses. Rural and safety-net institutions will be hit especially hard as the cost of uncompensated care skyrockets.

“My son has sickle cell and has suffered strokes. Because of Medicaid he’s able to be independent, have his medications and treatments, see his doctors, and live on his own. If these cuts go through, he will lose his independence that he values and the health care that he needs — we wouldn’t know what to do,” said Amanta Adonis, an LPN at the Silvercrest Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Queens, NY. “For the politicians who voted for this Big Ugly Bill — shame on you! You’re putting people’s lives in danger.”

“We are not asking for anything extravagant.” We are demanding only what is needed for us to continue delivering care to New Yorkers and prevent what will otherwise mean the shutting of healthcare services and facilities up and down the state,” said 1199SEIU President Yvonne Armstrong. “New York State has the resources to weather this storm. New York has billions of dollars in reserves kept specifically for times of crisis. And there is no crisis more urgent than the one threatening our patients, our institutions, and millions of New Yorkers.”

Delone Cuebas, a home care member with the All Metro agency in the Bronx, shared another personal story.

“I have a cousin who has stage four cancer and relies on Medicaid for their treatment. They recently heard that the clinic they have been going to could close because of the cuts.

“I warned people not to vote for the Republicans in 2024. Because of what they have done, we need New York Governor Kathy Hochul to step up and use New York State funds to keep our healthcare system running.

“I’ve never come to Albany before with 1199. But now is the time to talk to our elected representatives and make them understand. We can’t go back.”

Maurice Myrick, a Dental Assistant at the Anthony L. Jordan clinic in Rochester, NY, where he has provided care for 20 years, added: “It’s cruel to punish people for things they can’t control. You can be healthy one moment and need critical care the next — there’s no safety net to fall back on. What will people do?”

Stephanie June, who is a PCT at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, said: “We need our leaders to use every tool they have to offset federal cuts, to keep our hospitals and nursing homes open. To save mental health services in our communities and home care. This is about protecting our families.”

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program (CDPAP) enables people with disabilities to remain in their homes and be cared for by people they choose and train. It too relies on Medicaid funds.

Renita Smith-Cooper, who works for this program in Buffalo, said: “As a CDPA, cutting Medicaid means cutting our jobs. That’s why it’s so important to stand together to protect Medicaid funding. There’s strength in numbers — and with the way things are going, we need that strength to make sure our family members continue to get the care they need.”

Top state elected leaders addressed the crowd, including State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin. Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs also spoke at the rally.

Lorraine Black has worked as a Housekeeper at Sarah Neuman Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Mamaroneck for 24 years.

“Every rally, I don’t miss it. We have to fight for our rights. I love my elders,” said Black, who is 75 years old. “We work and put in tax money, so why should they take Medicaid?

“They want to give to the rich. What about the poor? The time will come when we have nothing at all.”