Assemblyman John Salka (R,C,Ref-Brookfield) attended a 9-hour hearing this week on the possibility and manner of implementation of a single-payer healthcare system. Salka is gravely concerned about the impact this system would have on the state’s economy. The New York Health Act has opponents on both sides of the aisle and also includes several of the state’s leading union groups such as NYS Public Employee Conference and Civil Service Employees Association.
“I am deeply against the implementation of a single-payer system that could raise our income taxes significantly. It’s unbearable,” Salka said. “I’ve worked in the health care field for many years and now coupling that with my perspective as a legislator, single-payer would demolish the already -beleaguered and suffering economy of New York. It’s simply untenable from an economic standpoint, not to mention the overwhelming degree of strain this would put on our nurses and doctors who are struggling. I just can’t see why anyone would think that shifting to single-payer would fix our health care problems.”
“The state Legislature should create 529-style healthcare savings accounts and leave the decision making to middle-class families. These accounts be supplemented by new and current wasteful state funding to ensure that everyone gets a seat at the table when it comes to their healthcare. This will make healthcare companies compete by putting the best they can offer on the table for patients to choose.”
Assemblyman John Salka represents the 121st Assembly District, encompasses all of Madison County and portions of Oneida and Otsego counties.
Don’t be fooled. Any counter proposal that doesn’t ensure 100% coverage and end medical bankruptcies forever is just an argument for the terrible status quo to continue unabated.
This kind of rhetoric is meant to scare you into believing the terrible status quo cannot be improved upon. If you want things to get better, then support the New York Health Act.
Spoken with all the bravado of someone that has his health coverage provided for him and someone who doesn’t care about the fact that you face a medical bankruptcy every day.
My small firm is paying $30,000 a year for coverage.
I’ll swap for the tax increase with full coverage any day.
To oppose healthcare reform and instead advocate for savings accounts that would presumably be invested in a volatile stock market, manipulated almost daily by the whims of our Trump, is not a solution. It’s a prescription for financial disaster.
Mr. Salka should give up his government benefits and start a savings plan that will pay his medical bills. See how that works out. Walk the walk Mr. Salka.