Dear Editor:
In today’s economic climate, it is all too easy to think of Medicaid only in terms of the financial costs. But in light of Medicaid Matters Month, we must also consider the human benefits: five million New Yorkers directly rely on Medicaid — including three million in New York City.
Through our twelve clinics — including the Queens Health Center, Family Health Center in Jamaica, and Long Island City Health Center — we serve more than 75,000 patients every year. We test for chronic diseases like STDs, HIV and diabetes, and treat them before complications lead to runaway costs. We also provide primary care, mental health, and social services for everyone.
None of this would be possible without Medicaid. Not only do half our patients come from the Medicaid population, but Medicaid funds equipment, staff, and services that benefit all our patients.
It is crucial for legislators in Albany to protect Medicaid. Should there be any hesitation, we can remind them that there are at least five million good reasons to do so.
Welcome to the discussion.
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