Repeal Of The Affordable Care Act And The Proposed Replacement Is Expected To Have A Profound Impact On Public Health
Kingston, NY – After issuing an Executive Order last Monday that directed the Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health to study the effects of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein spoke to an overflow crowd of concerned residents who accepted the county’s invitation to attend a public forum. The forum to collect community input was held by the Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health Dr. Carol Smith, as required by the Executive Order. The forum was attended by a cross section of Ulster County residents including healthcare professionals, seniors, advocates for Medicaid recipients, business owners and representative from the offices of United States Senator Charles Schumer, United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and United States Representative John Faso.
Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein
“Dr. Smith and I share a firm belief that the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act is one of the most pressing public health threats facing our community,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “When confronted with an issue such as this, it would be irresponsible not to act. Many Ulster County residents are justifiably concerned about their healthcare coverage, the dramatic cuts that are being planned in Washington and the frustrating belief that their voices are simply not being heard. Accordingly, a transcript of everyone’s comments will be included in Dr. Smith’s final report that will be forwarded to federal representatives.”
United States Senator Charles E. Schumer
“The proposal to repeal the Affordable Care Act would mean many Ulster County residents will lose their coverage, and even more, particularly seniors, will have to pay more for health care. I commend County Executive Hein and his colleagues in Ulster County for studying and addressing the potential health threats the county may face as a repercussion of this replacement. I stand with County Executive Hein and all of Ulster County in the effort to retain quality healthcare for the families of Ulster,” said United States Senator Charles E. Schumer.
United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
"President Trump’s bill to dismantle the Affordable Care Act would make health care too expensive for many families and seniors and would leave millions of people uninsured, all while giving huge tax breaks to insurance companies and the wealthy. We need to fight this terrible plan because the stakes are too high for countless New York families. If enough of us raise our voices and speak out against this legislation, we will be able to stop it, and I am grateful to Ulster County Executive Mike Hein for helping lead this effort,” said United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health Dr. Carol Smith
“County Executive Hein and I are grateful for all for all of the Ulster County residents who took the time to share their thoughts and concerns about how the proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act will affect themselves and their families. Affordable healthcare is not an abstract political concept; it is the difference between wellness and recurring illness, between life and death. We listened to all of the comments and will do everything we can to fight for the health and well- being of our people and our community,” said Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health Dr. Carol Smith.
Residents still have the opportunity to provide written comments that will be included in the final report by emailing them to exec[at]co.ulster.ny[dot]us.
Pictured below from left: Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, Dr. Carol Smith, Commissioner of Health and Mental Health, Nereida Veytia, Director of Patient Services.
