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CSS is committed to the goal of increasing access to quality, affordable health coverage in order to improve individual and community health outcomes, promote health equity, and alleviate barriers to employment. To achieve this goal, CSS launched a comprehensive campaign around health care access to address the nearly 2.6 million New Yorkers who lack health insurance. Working statewide with local community partners, our aim is to build public will and advocate for significant government support for needed health reforms.Our approach builds on the following concepts:
- Insurance Reform: Public insurance programs in New York are an effective and efficient means of providing health care access for millions of New Yorkers. To this end, CSS strives to build upon or improve the strength of our public programs to meet the health care needs of New York’s working families. In addition, CSS works to improve consumer participation and increase affordability and coverage for new Yorkers who have individual, small-group, and job-based coverage.
- Equity: Despite significant overall health spending and extensive public health programs, New York State experiences challenges in achieving a high-performing health care system. These challenges are particularly acute for underserved communities. Throughout our health care initiatives, CSS maintains a strong commitment to addressing disparities in health care access and outcomes.
- Grassroots Mobilization: CSS is a co-founder of Health Care For All New York (HCFANY) – a statewide coalition of more than 100 organizations committed to winning quality, affordable health coverage for all New Yorkers. Through this coalition, we work to bring consumer voices to the policy conversation, ensuring that real consumer concerns are reflected. We also provide expert policy analysis, advocacy, and education on important health reform issues and policies that affect New Yorkers around the state.
Elisabeth R. Benjamin, M.S.P.H., J.D.
Vice President of Health Initiatives212.614.5461
ebenjamin@cssny.org
Health Reform Works: How the Affordable Care Act is Already Making a Difference for New Yorkers