Healthcare Headlines





HEP Celebrates 25 Years of Fighting for Healthcare at SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico

The Healthcare Education Project celebrated 25 years of education, service and advocacy at the SOMOS Conference in Puerto Rico on November 7, 2024.

The Healthcare Future We Want: Medicaid Equity Now!

The Healthcare Education Project hosted a Healthcare Breakfast emceed by TT Torrez of Hot 97 at SOMOS Conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 7, 2024.

How the Affordable Care Act Helps You

Inflation Reduction Act 2nd Anniversary

In August 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a wide-reaching piece of legislation that ushered in sweeping changes to everything from climate and industrial policy to [...]

Healthcare at the Presidential Debate

Last night, President Biden and former President Donald Trump held the first debate of the 2024 campaign. The candidates touched on a wide range of healthcare issues, including abortion, prescription [...]

1199SEIU and GNYHA Respond to
New York State’s Final Budget Agreement

The final budget agreement represents a significant improvement from Governor Hochul’s initial proposal—which contained over $1 billion in Medicaid cuts—and highlights the immense importance of our ongoing Medicaid Equity campaign. The [...]

Jewish Leaders Join Statewide Coalition of Faith Leaders Urging Governor Hochul to End Medicaid Funding Crisis

Prominent Jewish leaders join growing list of over 650 faith leaders statewide calling on the Governor to raise the Medicaid reimbursement rate to fully cover the cost of care for [...]

Thousands of NY Healthcare Workers, Faith Leaders, and Legislators Join Protests in 7 Cities on Friday Against Gov. Hochul’s Budget Proposal

Healthcare Cuts and Medicaid Funding Shortfalls in the Governor’s Budget Would Worsen Healthcare Disparities and Threaten More Closures of Hospitals and Nursing Homes, Caregivers and Advocates Say New York, New [...]

Statewide Alliance of Nearly 100 Community and Patient Groups Demand that Governor Kathy Hochul End Medicaid Funding Crisis

Coalition Applauds State Leaders for One-House Budget Proposals that Put State on Path to Fully Funding Medicaid New York, New York – Today, a diverse coalition of nearly 100 patient [...]

1199SEIU and GNYHA Respond
to New York State’s One-House Budget

“The New York State Senate and Assembly one-house budget resolutions reflect 1199SEIU and GNYHA’s most important priorities, including a crucial Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for hospitals and the elimination of [...]

New York City Council Members, Hospital Leaders, Healthcare Advocates & Workers Join Statewide Coalition Demanding Governor Kathy Hochul End Medicaid Funding Crisis

New York City Elected Officials join other localities statewide – Auburn and Utica – in support of raising the Medicaid reimbursement rate New York, New York – Today, a coalition [...]

Rev. Mark Blue: Gov. Hochul Must Fully Fund
Medicaid to Avert a Healthcare Crisis

More than 7 million New Yorkers across our state, including our communities here in Western New York, are caught in a severe health care crisis. The cause? Our state’s Medicaid [...]

Syracuse State Legislators, Hospital and Nursing Home Leaders, Healthcare Advocates, and Faith Leaders Call on Governor Hochul to End Medicaid Funding Crisis

Event is Part of a Statewide, Coordinated “Speakout” Demanding Gov. Hochul Address Healthcare Inequities Thousands of hospital and nursing home workers—stretching from Long Island to Western New York—will rally outside [...]

Coalition of Healthcare Unions, Community Organizations, Faith Leaders, and Hospital/Nursing Home Leaders Join Bi-Partisan State Legislators Calling For Governor Kathy Hochul to Address New York’s Dire Healthcare Funding Crisis

Community Coalition kick-off event in Governor's hometown adds to growing chorus of hospitals, health care workers, legislators, community, and faith leaders demanding fully funded Medicaid Health Insurance Program A portion of [...]

State Legislative Leaders, URMC Management and Healthcare Workers Demand Governor Hochul End Medicaid Funding Crisis

In Monroe County nearly a third of residents rely on Medicaid for their health coverage Press conference builds on growing statewide pressure for Governor Hochul to fully fund Medicaid insurance [...]

Over 200 Faith Leaders Demand Governor Hochul
End Medicaid Funding Crisis

Coalition of faith leaders represent communities and faiths from across New York State Capitol rally, interfaith letter add to growing pressure on Governor Hochul to fully fund Medicaid Albany, New [...]

Majority of Democratic State Leaders Join Call to Press Governor Hochul to End Medicaid Funding Crisis

The Governor’s state budget fails to address New York’s Medicaid funding crisis, jeopardizing care for the more than seven million New Yorkers who rely on Medicaid for healthcare coverage Albany, [...]

1199SEIU and GNYHA Respond to Gov. Hochul’s Proposed Budget

In her State of the State address on January 9, Governor Hochul noted that “hospitals in New York are struggling financially more than in the rest of the U.S—42% of [...]

HEP’s Response to New York’s Medicaid Waiver

1199SEIU/GNYHA Response to New York’s Federal Medicaid Waiver We are pleased that New York’s Medicaid waiver has been approved. Greater New York Hospital Association and 1199SEIU have advocated for the [...]

Congress has less than three days to avoid a government shutdown.

This page will continue to be updated as this issue is ongoing. Update Oct. 02, 2023: On Saturday, September 30, the House voted 335-91 to pass a 45-day funding bill. [...]

Inflation Reduction Act Delivers on Drug Price Negotiations

A year ago, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law. One of the law’s major promises was to give Medicare the ability to negotiate drug prices to lower [...]

Support for Mental Health and Well-being

New York State NYC WELL is a free, confidential, mental health support line. Access mental health and substance use services in more than 200 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days [...]

How Is Medicaid Coverage Changing When the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ends?

Why is this important? Enrollees in Medicaid, Child Health Plus (CHP) and the Essential Plan (EP) have not had to renew their health insurance since early 2020 due to the [...]

Taking Aim At The ACA…Again

Yesterday, Texas federal judge Reed O’Connor issued a ruling that employers cannot be required to cover certain preventive health care services offered under the Affordable Care Act. These are services that [...]

Add your voice! Tell Albany to Close the Medicaid Coverage Gap!

See the letter signed by 160 community leaders across New York State urging Albany to close the Medicaid coverage gap. At HEP, we're doing all we can to protect and [...]

Community Leaders Urge You to Close the Medicaid Coverage Gap

Medicaid Is Our Lifeline. Gov. Hochul and New York State Legislators Must Close the Coverage Gap! Dear Representative, As community leaders and people of faith, we are in close, daily contact [...]

See How Medicaid Impacts Your Constituents

The New York State budget is under discussion, and access to quality healthcare for millions of New Yorkers is at the center of the debate. As a legislator, you have [...]

1199SEIU, GNYHA Tell Albany: Close the Medicaid Coverage Gap

Digital Ad Campaign Urges Lawmakers to Boost Inadequate Medicaid Rates that Threaten Low-Income New Yorkers’ Access to Care Amid Worsening Mental Health Crisis  New Poll Shows New Yorkers Strongly Support [...]

Blood Donor Awareness Month – Your Blood Can Save Lives

January is Blood Donor Awareness Month—a good opportunity to highlight the importance of donating blood and the impact it can have on saving lives. The average adult has approximately 10 […]

WE CALL ON CONGRESS TO SUPPORT PHYSICIAN TRAINING PROGRAMS

Over the next decade, the country will face a serious shortage of up to 124,000 physicians – both primary care and specialty. A large number of physicians are nearing retirement […]

We call on Congress to waive the PAYGO cut

Our hospitals could face an estimated nearly $10 billion in cuts in 2021, in fee-for-service Medicare, if the Pay-As-You-Go cut takes effect at the end of this year. The Statutory […]

Vote Yes on Prop 1

On November 8th New York voters have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to vote for clean water protections, better infrastructure, more parks and a better quality of life, throughout the state, by voting [...]

2022 Voter Toolkit

To be eligible to vote you must  Be a United States citizen; Be 18 years old or older (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you […]

Thank you for passing the Inflation Reduction Act!

This weekend, the Senate voted to pass a historic bill.  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a victory for all who have fought for decades for lower prescription drug […]

Tell Congress — Pass The Inflation Reduction Act Now!

We are urging Congress to pass, during the current legislative session, the Inflation Reduction Act. The bill addresses two critical healthcare issues that affect all Americans: the cost of prescription […]

HEP Statement on the Overturning of Roe v. Wade

In order to have real access to quality, affordable healthcare, Americans need two things: the ability to make informed personal decisions about their own well-being, and a strong relationship with [...]

Your voices were heard: NYS budget funds healthcare priorities

The Healthcare Education Project applauds Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for their efforts in making healthcare a priority in the FY23 budget. ¿Qué implica para usted el [...]

New York’s FY23 Budget and Healthcare

¿Qué implica para usted el presupuesto del estado de Nueva York? Haga clic aquí

Where To Find Free COVID Tests

Low and no-cost COVID-19 testing is available for all ages across New York State, including the uninsured, at health clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, and other testing sites. At-home testing kits are [...]

April Fools!

Like all things, moderation is key to a good diet (in other words, NOT an eating contest). An unbalanced diet affects our health significantly. Obesity is only one consequence, and […]

New Masking Guidelines

Congress MUST pass the Build Back Better bill!

When Congress previously passed the infrastructure bill, it showed that it could work together to make real change in the lives of Americans. It must now pass more legislation that […]

Frequently asked questions about kids and COVID vaccines, answered by pediatrician Dr. Judith Flores.

Question: Are young people even at risk of getting COVID-19? Dr. Flores: Over the past weeks, the number of children and young people who have been infected with COVID has [...]

SCOTUS Upholds the Affordable Care Act

Today’s decision by SCOTUS to uphold the Affordable Care Act   preserves a landmark law that has protected millions of Americans across the country, especially during the pandemic. The benefits of […]

Update: Texas Court Case – Supreme Court upholds the ACA!

Since September of 2018, a group of Republican Attorneys General have been seeking to have the ACA ruled unconstitutional. Here's a look back at how the case has evolved--told by [...]

The Latest COVID-19 Relief Package (American Rescue Plan) – How does it benefit me?

Every day we hear about the American Rescue Plan, which is the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 relief plan for all Americans. But how does it benefit you, your family, your community, […]

National Nutrition Month 

March is National Nutrition Month—a time to reflect on our eating habits and making sure that we have well-balanced diets and our giving our bodies the fuel and resources they […]

THE COVID-19 VACCINE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

This content is brought to you by our Vaccine Education Channel NYVEP. For more up to the moment information please follow us on Instagram. SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS Q: What’s in [...]

COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet

Evidence has shown that the new COVID-19 vaccine will provide significant protection against the deadly disease.  Two vaccines that are now being provided to healthcare workers will soon be available […]

The Health 202: Obese Americans suffer disproportionately from the coronavirus

HOW TO VOTE IN NEW YORK STATE

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? You must register by Oct. 9, 2020, to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 3, 2020, General Election. 1. Are you registered? Check by [...]

NEW YORK STATE BACK TO SCHOOL FAQ

Interim guidance for in-person instruction at Pre-K to Grade 12 schools during the COVID-19 public health emergency Download PDF NYSDOH school reopening FAQs July 22, 2020 Download PDF US DOE [...]

If the Trump Admin Wins Its Lawsuit: Life Without the ACA

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is known for providing protections for pre-existing conditions and securing healthcare for more than 20 million Americans. However, the Trump Administration is supporting a lawsuit [...]

President Trump’s Executive Actions: Too Little or Nothing At All!

Hospital leaders warn of possible layoffs without federal support

By Shannon Young 08/12/2020 03:39 PM EDT Hospital leaders warned Wednesday that, absent federal support to offset coronavirus-related revenue losses, facilities across New York could be forced to lay off […]

COVID-19: HEROES Act versus the HEALS Act

¡Haz el censo! 5 minutos ayuda a Nueva York a obtener la financiación que necesita.

Te has contado?. El censo se está llevando a cabo en este momento y el conteo exacto de todos los residentes, ciudadanos y no ciudadanos, garantiza que nuestras comunidades reciban [...]

HEP statement on the second public health crisis: Racism

The Healthcare Education Project was created by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and the hospitals of New York to promote and protect access to high-quality, affordable healthcare for all New [...]

ACA: A hidden healthcare hero of the Covid-19 crisis

Today, May 6th, 2020, Democratic attorneys-general and the House of Representatives will present arguments defending the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) against a lawsuit brought by the Trump administration and Republicans [...]

We are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis

New York's healthcare workers and hospitals are dedicated to fighting the COVID-19 crisis every day. Our high-quality hospitals and outstanding healthcare workers have shown time and again that they are [...]

Census 2020

Every 10 years, households throughout the country receive Census forms. The Census is intended to help the federal government determine the population count. Once completed, the Census data is delivered […]

What are Medicaid Block Grants?

The Trump Administration has proposed that states receive a Medicaid block grant. This means the federal government will provide a specific amount of funding to states and allow state governments […]

Healthcare Union, Nursing Home Providers, Join Lawmakers, Community Members, Others to Oppose Medicaid Funding Cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mindy Berman, mindyb@1199.org and (518) 229-0486 Colin Wolfgang, cwolfgang89@gmail.com and (973) 303-2738 Healthcare Union, Nursing Home Providers, Join Lawmakers, Community Members, Others to Oppose Medicaid Funding […]

Healthcare Union and Legislators Join Nursing Homes to Oppose Nursing Home Medicaid Cuts “We Are Scared”

What: Press conference calling to stop drastic Medicaid funding cut to nursing homes When: Thursday, October 31st, 2019, at 10:30 A.M. Where: Hillside Manor Rehabilitation & Extended Care Center, LLC, […]

Healthcare Union and Legislators Join Nursing Homes to Demand that State Stop Nursing Home Medicaid Cuts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE What:  Press conference calling to stop drastic Medicaid CMI funding cut to nursing homes When: Thursday, October 24th,  3:00 pm to 4:00 pm Where: Clove Lakes Rehab […]

New York’s nursing homes face MILLIONS IN CUTS in state funding

We all know someone who relies or has relied on the care of a nursing home—and those nursing homes now face a devastating cut.  On November 6th, nursing homes will […]

October 2019 Events

BROOKLYN  SATURDAY, OCT. 12TH What: ‘Healthy Choices for Healthy Living’: Plant-based Health Conference Where: Trinity Baptist Church, 179 New York Avenue, Brooklyn, 11216 When:  9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m. Contact: […]

Breast cancer: Early detection is the best treatment

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in New York. The Healthcare Education Project actively organizes free breast cancer screenings […]

Nursing homes face drastic Medicaid funding cut

The fight to protect nursing homes from a massive $250 million Medicaid cut in the New York State budget continues.  If this cut passes, over 600 nursing homes around the […]

Women’s Health and Fitness Day

The key to a happy and healthy life includes a number of important lifestyle habits—for both men and women. Fitness is an essential part of these lifestyle habits, and Women’s […]

Sickle Cell Disease

September is Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month—a good opportunity to provide statistics about this deadly disease. What is Sickle Cell Disease? Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic disorder in which […]

Press Release: New York’s Uninsured Rate Drops, Despite Increases in Most Other States

Albany, NY – Health Care for All New York is delighted to announce that more New Yorkers have health insurance than ever before – and that New York was one of […]

Bucking National Trends, New York’s Uninsured Rate Continues to Decline, Reaching a Historic Low of 4.7 Percent

Under Governor Cuomo’s Leadership, New York’s Uninsured Rate is now the Lowest Among Large States

What are Medicaid DSH Payments?

Last Updated: March 5th, 2024   What is Medicaid DSH? The Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) program provides payments to safety net hospitals that serve a high proportion of Medicaid [...]

Essential Health Benefits are…

A set of 10 categories of services health insurance plans must cover under the Affordable Care Act. These include doctors’ services, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, prescription drug coverage, pregnancy [...]

Are you ready for the next healthcare fight?

On May 4th, two years ago, the most unpopular bill in the history of healthcare passed the Republican-controlled House: The American Health Care Act.  Together, we stopped it from passing [...]

Learn more about the Protecting Pre-existing Conditions & Making Health Care More Affordable Act of 2019

The Trump Administration is in court trying to end your #healthcare #protections under the #ACA.  But others in Congress have introduced a new proposal to protect and improve healthcare. Called [...]

National Minority Health Month

Active & Healthy is the theme for National Minority Health Month 2019, and the Office of Minority Health will join our partners throughout the country as we promote physical activity [...]

We Are In The Community

Resources You Can Use Mental health. Vaccinations. Understanding health insurance. HEP has a range of popular resources on our website that you can read and download. Wish to attend a […]

National Donate Life Month

Notes From The Frontline

Nasirah Monique Buissereth has fought on our frontlines in the US Navy. Today, she is on the frontlines in the healthcare industry and as a local community activist. Nasirah is [...]

The War on Healthcare Continues

Those who are responsible The Trump Administration and its allies in Congress who want to repeal the ACA through legal attacks, budget defunding, and sabotage Those who pay the price [...]

Black History Month Healthcare Pioneers

In honor of Black History Month, the Healthcare Education Project would like to honor these exceptional healthcare professionals and visionaries who advanced the medical industry.

Key Facts about Health Insurance and the Uninsured amidst Changes to the Affordable Care Act

55% of uninsured are eligible for financial assistance in getting healthcare, and still can’t afford it The other 45% live in states that did not expand Medicaid, face immigration eligibility issues, […]

New Year’s Resolutions to Improve your Health this 2019

Make health your priority this year with these following tips: Drink more water – most recommend that you drink a half a gallon of water a day on average. Follow […]

U.S. top court, Kavanaugh spurn Planned Parenthood defunding case

Andrew Chung | Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected appeals by Louisiana and Kansas seeking to end their public funding to women’s healthcare and abortion […]

2019 Open Enrollment is Underway: A Q&A with NY State of Health

Open enrollment for health insurance in 2019 on the New York State marketplace is open. The Healthcare Education Project spoke with NY State of Health regarding key information you should […]

A Year in Healthcare: HEP in 2018

Securing Healthcare Funding in the State Budget HEP played a key role in securing additional healthcare funding in the New York State budget. The Secure Our Care campaign energized constituents […]

Healthcare Takeaways From The Midterm Elections

The people have spoken! Here are three of the biggest takeaways on healthcare from the midterm elections last Tuesday: Healthcare really matters to voters. Twenty-six percent of voters said that […]

ACA At Risk: Is Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions Next?

On September 5th, a judge will hear oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by a number of states, led by Texas, arguing that the ACA should be made invalid. This […]

The Texas Court Ruling: Likely Outcomes

On September 5th, a judge will hear oral arguments in a case with enormous implications for Americans with pre-existing conditions who are currently protected under the Affordable Care Act (the […]

May 4, 2017: A date we won’t forget!

Today’s Events Para ver la información en Español A year ago, on this day, the most unpopular bill in the history of healthcare passed the House: The American Health Care […]

Women’s Health Empowerment Symposium

Senator Leroy Comrie, York College, Healthfirst, and the Healthcare Education Project invite you to the second annual Women’s Health Empowerment Symposium at York College.

Register Today To Become An Organ Donor

More than 10,000 New Yorkers are on waiting lists as the need for organ donations far exceeds the supply. One person who donates organs (hearts, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas and intestines) can save up to eight lives, while a tissue donor (corneas, bone, skin, heart valves, tendons, veins, etc.) can improve 12 or more lives.

Immediate threats to healthcare coverage

Medicaid Despite the best efforts of many of the House and Senate Republicans, the effort to repeal/replace the ACA (“Obamacare”) that would have decimated federal Medicaid funding has failed — […]

¡Hazte las pruebas habituales de detección! Un mensaje público de Healthcare Education Project Proyecto de Educación en el Cuidado de la Salud

Octubre, mes Nacional de Concientización de la prevención del cáncer de seno, una campaña para concientizar acerca de esta dolencia. El número de muertes relacionadas al cáncer de seno ha […]

Get screened. Stay healthy. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It’s October, which means it’s once again National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the disease. The good news is that the number of breast […]

Trump Executive Order; Another Attempt to Undermine the ACA (“Obamacare”)

President Trump’s Executive Order that is expected to be signed this week will be nothing short of a back-door attempt to undermine the benefits of Obamacare in the Administration’s ongoing […]