To the editor:

For those struggling and fiscally responsible New Yorkers, it may get much worse! Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a “Managed Care Plans Tax,” which she has yet to explain in both plan and execution. What we do know is that it will add a tax on private insurance providers and that it is based on a similar Californian policy designed to add money to help the ever-increasing and out-of-control Medicaid costs. It will add to New Yorkers’ already excruciatingly painful healthcare costs most New Yorkers incur! Following its 2023 implementation in In California, it added a 9.6% increase in health insurance costs.

Hochul was hesitant towards this bill, but was persuaded by lobbyists and the New York state Assembly. New Yorkers, especially the middle class, are continually and ever increasingly being financially squeezed to help New York state pay their Medicaid bills; we, especially upstate New Yorkers, are paying for their generosity! We all want to help others, but when is enough enough?

We as New Yorkers need to vote for Republicans and keep the ones that truly help their constituency such as Elise Stefanik and Donald Trump! Is it bad enough, yet? The New York state middle class needs their voices heard!

Barbara Ann Whelan

Gansevoort