New York Congressional Democratic leaders gathered on the steps of City Hall on Sunday, warning that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers could lose access to healthcare and millions will see their premiums spike as the government shutdown stretched into its fifth day.
President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have sought to blame Democrats for the shutdown. But Nydia Velázquez, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Yvette Clarke and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries denounced what they called the administration’s “propaganda” campaign — arguing that Republicans are holding the government hostage over health care.
“Democrats are ready to get the job done, to reopen the government, to pass an enlightened spending agreement and to address the Republican healthcare crisis,” Jeffries told a small crowd at City Hall. “We are on duty. It’s a shame that House Republicans remain on vacation.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. An automatic reply sent via email blamed the “Democrat Shutdown” for slow response times from the White House press office.
At the center of the fight are premium tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans, which are set to expire at the end of the year.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has said that, without insurance subsidies, costs could rise to $3,000 a year for many New Yorkers. Democrats say they won’t vote to reopen the government unless the tax credits are restored.
“I can tell you that there’s 13,000 Americans in my district whose insurance will go up by 44%,” Meeks said at City Hall.
The lawmakers also pushed back against Republican accusations that Democrats want to provide healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
“ Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for healthcare tax credits nor comprehensive Medicaid coverage, full stop,” said Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.
U.S. law already prevents undocumented immigrants from accessing Medicaid, Medicare or other federally funded healthcare programs. And the Trump administration has taken steps to limit access even further.
Under the Trump-backed Working Families Tax Cut Act, which took effect Oct. 1, states can no longer receive federal reimbursements for hospitals that treat undocumented immigrants in emergencies. Until last week, they could under a program first introduced in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan.
New York is one of a handful of states that extends healthcare benefits — including the Essential Plan and the ACA — to certain noncitizens. Those eligible have to meet Medicaid income requirements and be lawfully present in the United States, including people with student visas or temporary protected status. But that program is also under threat as tax credits under the Affordable Care Act expire.
“They’re using the government shutdown as a ruse to line the pockets of their billionaire friends, all while throwing the blame on immigrants and Democrats,” Clarke said.
At Sunday’s rally, Teace Buckmire described what losing coverage would mean for herself and her family. She said that, until recently, she was an undocumented immigrant who wasn’t eligible for health coverage.
When her immigration status changed, she was able to get on the Essential Plan and access what she called life-changing care.
“That’s what healthcare does — it doesn’t just save money, it saves lives,” she said.
Paige Oamek
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