NYSHealth Coverage Consortium Meets with Policymakers

On April 9, 2008, the New York State Health Foundation Coverage Consortium presented preliminary findings of their research to some of the top health care policy makers in New York State. On the heels of some historic changes in New York State's health care system, the meeting identified possible future steps that New York State can take to increase health insurance coverage.

The United Hospital Fund opened the session by presenting findings about the state of insurance in New York State, including profiles of individuals who are eligible for public coverage but not enrolled and research on offer, eligibility, and take-up rates for employer-sponsored coverage. They also previewed their ongoing work on the small group and individual markets. Cornell University described its work to gauge public opinion in New York State to see what reform proposals are feasible. Columbia University’s Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo and his team are reviewing testimony from public hearings across the State on the public’s attitudes and preferences toward health coverage expansion proposals.

The second half of the meeting was devoted to presentations from field researchers, working on behalf of the Rockefeller Institute's Health Policy Research Center, who are investigating the reforms that have been pursued by other states, including Maine—one of the first states “out the gate” to try sea changing reform—as well as Minnesota and New Jersey. Their research provided insight into these states’ respective successes and the in their efforts to provide universal coverage.