NYS Senate Displays Leadership on Critical Health Care Issue

ALBANY, NY (06/23/2011)(readMedia)-- "The action by the New York State Senate to support collective negotiations by New York physicians signals the fact that our legislators are recognizing the dire circumstances that many physicians are experiencing at the hands of the big health care insurance companies," according to Paul A. Hamlin, MD, president of the Medical Society of the State of New York.

"We are especially thankful for the leadership of Senator Kemp Hannon and Senator Neil Breslin and for their clear understanding of direct consequences to patients of the failure of the insurance companies to deal fairly with the physicians of New York State. We are also grateful for the insight and leadership of Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Deputy Majority Leader Thomas Libous and other senators who supported us on this important issue," Dr. Hamlin added.

"Too many young physicians are forced to leave New York State because they are not able to meet their obligations to pay off their medical education loans, cover the high cost of liability insurance, and meet their family obligations. Collective negotiations are a major step in dealing with this issue. We applaud all the senators who voted to support this critical initiative and urge the New York State Assembly to approve A.2474-A, which would authorize physician collective negotiation with market dominating health plans."

For additional information on this announcement please contact Tom Donoghue at 516-488-6100 ext. 350 or email at tdonoghue@mssny.org