Progress for Primary Care

Primary care is the foundation of a cost-effective and high-quality health care system. However, one in three New Yorkers lives in a region with insufficient primary care access, and it's far worse for rural communities and communities of color. Across the state, New Yorkers have to wait weeks or months to see a primary care doctor or nurse.

Our health care system is out of balance; less than 5 cents of every dollar we spend on health care goes to primary care doctors and nurses, even though they handle 1 in 3 health care visits.

The New York State Senate has acted to correct that by passing the Primary Care Investment Act. It will rebalance health care spending by allocating a greater percentage of what we spend to primary care.

We thank Senator Rivera for championing this policy and applaud the Senate for its leadership in recognizing that a healthier New York starts with strong primary care.

The New York Health Foundation is proud to have supported the Primary Care Development Corporation for its unwavering advocacy. We congratulate them and their coalition of supporters.

The New York Health Foundation also contributed by testifying, speaking out, and convening public events.

This legislation is meaningful progress. But there is still more work to do. Once the policy is fully enacted, New York will join nearly 20 other states in strengthening its primary care infrastructure, saving money, and improving health.