All New Yorkers need access to quality, affordable health care, no matter their zip code
Congressman Anthony Brindisi celebrated Rural Health Day by calling on lawmakers in Washington to act and bridge the gap between rural and urban health care. Brindisi is leading the charge in Congress to increase access to affordable health care in rural communities.
“Whether it’s long travel times, lack of adequate resources, or stigma about reaching out for help, too often, our rural communities are left behind by a broken system that puts politics over solutions,” Brindisi said. “All New Yorkers need access to quality, affordable health care, no matter their zip code.”
Brindisi has proposed numerous solutions to bring down the cost of care, increase access to mental health care, and support rural medical facilities. His efforts on behalf of rural communities were praised by local advocates.
“From day one, Congressman Brindisi hit the ground running in his effort to preserve access to care in rural areas,” said Healthcare Association of New York State President Bea Grause, RN, JD. “We applaud the Congressman for his steadfast commitment to bolstering New York’s rural hospitals. These hospitals play a critical role in maintaining healthcare services in their communities, despite operating under significant negative Medicare and Medicaid margins.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Congressman Brindisi to advance policies that protect hospitals and health systems and the patients they serve across New York state.”
“In rural areas it is critical to find a way to make sure adequate Mental Health services are available,” said Sandra Soroka with Utica’s Neighborhood Center. “Farmers and families living in these areas have a history of being self-sufficient and with that often comes a legacy of we don’t discuss our problems, we handle them; however, obtaining help is not a weakness, everyone at various times in their lives need help. We are so grateful Anthony Brindisi is taking on the task of improving Mental Health Services for all.”
Brindisi continues to champion rural health efforts:
- His bipartisan Seeding Rural Resilience Act would increase access to mental health care for rural communities
- Earlier this year, Brindisi’s worked on bipartisan legislation to eliminate the burdensome Health Insurance Tax, which has been shown to raise health care costs for consumers and small businesses
- He lead a bipartisan effort to keep the doors open at rural New York hospitals
- And this week, he introduced a bipartisan resolution to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and recognize it as a treatable disease
“It shouldn’t matter if you live in New Berlin or New York City, you deserve access to quality, affordable health care,” Brindisi said. “It is time for Congress to act to deliver more access to affordable health care across our rural communities. And today on National Rural Health Day, and every day, I’m committed to fighting for just that.”