Senate Democrats Block Legislation to Require Inmates to Make Medical Copayments
April 22, 2009
Bill Would Protect New York Taxpayers, Save State $7 Million
(Long Island, N.Y.) Senator Michael Nozzolio today fought for legislation to help protect the taxpayers of New York State by requiring inmates to make co-payments for health care. Senate Democrats rejected his call to bring this bill to the floor for a vote.
The legislation (S.2404) would require inmates in New York State’s Correctional Facilities to make a seven dollar co-payment for medical treatment in order to hold inmates partially responsible for their own health care expenses, reduce excessive and non-emergency health care visits in our prisons, and provide a revenue source that will help address the increasing costs to provide health care to inmates.
“There is simply no way to justify handing convicted criminals free health care while law-abiding citizens all over the state are required to make co-payments, particularly during these difficult economic times when families are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Senator Michael Nozzolio. “It is our responsibility to protect New York’s taxpayer, and this legislation, could save $7 million each year, and I’m disappointed the Senate Democrats won’t allow it to the floor for a vote.”
“New York State spends almost $2,000 per inmate on health care services and they are not held responsible, even as the costs of providing these services continue to rise and place a burden on our taxpayers,” said Republican Leader Dean G. Skelos. “The economy in this state is struggling, and it is our responsibility to do anything we can to provide relief to New Yorkers. This legislation would correct a tremendous inequity that allows convicted criminals to get free health care services, while many hardworking taxpayers can’t afford to bring their children to see a
doctor.”
Senator Nozzolio’s motion today would have discharged the bill from the Senate’s Crime Victims, Crime and Corrections Committee in order to bring it to the Senate floor for a full vote. This legislation has been passed each year by the Senate since 1997.
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Posted by News LI Editor · Filed Under Health
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