Expanding healthcare coverage to include New York residents living in the country without legal permission could boost the state's economy by $710 million per year, according to a March 15 analysis from New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
Mr. Lander's report studies the economic impact of "Coverage for All," a proposed bill that would create a state-funded healthcare plan for New York residents who earn up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status.
The report highlights four estimated economic results from the legislation:
- $649 million in savings from life expectancy and the prevention of 55 premature deaths annually
- $22 million in savings from labor productivity and 1.5 million hours of work gained back annually
- $20 million in personal finance savings, equating to $442 in lower annual out-of-pocket healthcare costs
- $19 million saved for the state healthcare system due to 7,764 fewer emergency room visits per year
"Expanding quality and affordable medical coverage regardless of immigration status will bolster both healthier communities and a healthier economy. Coverage For All will help immigrant communities avoid unnecessary and costly emergency room visits as a source of primary care, while guaranteeing longer lives and economic benefits for both employers and health care providers," Mr. Lander said.
The Coverage for All legislation was introduced in the New York State Legislature in early January. It has yet to pass in the State Assembly or Senate.