New York (WRGB) — Governor Hochul has issued a warning about the potential impacts of the Republican-backed “Big Ugly Bill” on New York’s health care system. The bill, which recently passed in the Senate, proposes significant cuts to Medicaid and the Essential Plan, threatening the stability of hospitals and health care providers across the state.

Hochul said,

I’ve said it several times and I’ll say it again today — all New Yorkers deserve access to high-quality health care, it’s that simple. Republicans in Washington, including seven representing New York, are trying to rip away this basic human right from New Yorkers and I will not stand by and watch it happen, I’m standing up for our hardworking hospitals and families who rely on this care to survive.

The Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) and the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) estimate that the bill would result in $8 billion in cuts to New York’s hospitals and health systems. This could lead to the loss of 34,000 hospital jobs and an additional 29,000 related jobs, causing a $14.4 billion reduction in hospital-generated economic activity.

Kenneth E. Raske, President of GNYHA, said,

This bill’s massive Medicaid cuts and health insurance eligibility restrictions will do enormous damage to New York State and its hospitals. The numbers are hard to comprehend—an estimated $8 billion cut to our hospitals, 34,000 lost hospital jobs and 1.5 million individuals losing their health insurance.

The potential consequences extend beyond hospitals. The Community Health Care Association of New York State estimates a $300 million loss for the state’s Community Health Centers, leading to nearly 2,000 layoffs. These centers provide essential services to one in eight New Yorkers.

Rose Duhan, President & CEO of the Community Health Care Association of New York State, said,

Cutting Medicaid will put that care at risk for 2.4 million people across the State. Losing Medicaid will mean communities will lose CHCs that provide primary care, behavioral health, dental services, and more.

A study by Yale and the University of Pennsylvania warns that the bill could result in 51,000 preventable deaths annually nationwide, making it a top ten cause of death in the U.S.

Bea Grause, President of HANYS, described the bill as “a reckless assault on our healthcare system and our local economies,” adding that its impact would ripple out to families and communities, leaving almost no one untouched.

David Jakubowicz, MD, President of the Medical Society of the State of New York, said,

The bill rammed through the US Senate today will cruelly force countless New Yorkers to lose eligibility for health insurance coverage and threaten the viability of countless community-based medical practices that provide care to millions of New York patients each year. At a time when our patients already face significant barriers in access to care all across the State, this bill and the version that previously passed the US House will make these access to care challenges far worse.

Jakubowicz added,

If enacted this bill would force New York State to have an emergency legislative session which will decimate the State Budget and result in changes that may spill over from healthcare to force cuts in areas like education, infrastructure, and beyond. We encourage all New York residents to contact their Representative and say they must vote a HARD NO on this bill or change it to take care of the needs of their constituents.