Assemblymember Amy Paulin delivers remarks in Albany
ALBANY, NY — Today, the Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) and the New York State Primary Care Coalition were joined by lawmakers, health care organizations, and primary care providers who gathered at the New York State Capitol to call for the passage of the Primary Care Investment Act (S1634/A1915A). The coalition highlighted the dangerous shortage of primary care providers across the state, warning that workforce shortages and underinvestment have left millions of New Yorkers without access to basic health services.
Standing on the 4th floor of the Capitol overlooking the Senate Chamber, speakers highlighted the urgent need to pass the Primary Care Investment Act, which would strengthen the state’s primary care system by requiring healthcare plans and payors to invest a minimum of 12.5% of their total annual expenditure on primary care services. To achieve this, the bill requires payors to rebalance their health care spending by increasing primary care spending by 1% annually until they meet the 12.5% threshold.
The press conference featured a striking “Empty White Coat” display, with physicians’ coats hanging empty to represent the growing shortage of primary care providers and the widening gap between patient needs and available care across New York.
Empty white coats displayed to illustrate the shortage of primary care providers
Health leaders and advocates warned that without stronger investment in the primary care workforce and infrastructure, communities across the state—particularly rural and underserved areas—will continue to face barriers to basic health care services.
“Access to primary care is the cornerstone of healthy communities. The Primary Care Investment Act (PCIA) is a critical step toward improving health outcomes for New Yorkers,” said Aparna Mekala, Chief Executive Officer, Primary Care Development Corporation.
State lawmakers also spoke about the need for policy solutions and funding to strengthen the primary care workforce, ensure equitable access to services, and improve health outcomes statewide.
“Primary care is the foundation of our health care system and is key to prevention and early detection,” said Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee. “Our primary care system is underfunded, which undermines the health of our communities. I urge our Senate and Assembly colleagues, along with the Executive, to support the Primary Care Investment Act, so we can increase investment in primary care spending by insurance companies, especially in the face of significant federal healthcare funding cuts.”
“Primary care is the foundation of our health care system, but it has been underfunded for far too long,” said Assemblymember Amy Paulin, Chair of the Assembly Health Committee. “When people can’t access primary care, they end up sicker and pay more. This bill makes a long overdue investment in care that will lower costs and improve the health of New Yorkers.”
“Strengthening primary care is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes and lower long-term costs,” said Assemblymember David Weprin. “The Primary Care Investment Act ensures that more of our health care dollars are directed to frontline physicians and community providers who keep New Yorkers healthy, identify illnesses early, and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. By prioritizing primary care, we are investing in a stronger, more accessible health system for everyone.”
Senator Jeremy Cooney stated: “Primary care provides the kind of personalized in-depth care that keeps New Yorkers healthier and safer. When we invest in primary care, we reduce overcrowding at our hospitals, catch issues for patients sooner, and provide the kind of care New Yorkers deserve. I’m proud to join my colleagues in support of this bill and will continue to push for more support for primary care offices statewide.”
Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said: “As the federal government threatens access to care and shifts costs onto states, New York must double down on what works. The Primary Care Investment Act will not only create a healthier New York; it is a fiscally responsible, evidence-based approach to ensuring health care dollars are spent where they prevent illness rather than pay for avoidable downstream care. Investing in primary care is how we protect patients in our most medically vulnerable communities to avoid far more costly end-stage services down the line. We need this bill now more than ever and I hope my colleagues will join me in pushing this across the finish line.”
Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Children & Families, said: “I am honored and proud to be a co-sponsor of the Primary Care Investment Act. This bill will be a crucial step forward for primary care across New York State and for ensuring access to care for all New Yorkers. For far too long, primary care has been underfunded, with less than a nickel of every dollar allocated for healthcare going to primary care despite it accounting for 35% of healthcare visits. PCIA will change that by requiring 12.5% of all healthcare expenditures to go to primary care services, ensuring reliable funding for primary care. I want to thank Senator Rivera in the Senate and Assemblywoman Paulin for their dedication and efforts to make primary care a primary focus for New York, Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) for its support in advocating this bill and dedication to primary care for all, and to all of our colleagues for their support. Primary care will only continue to be a concern for everyday New Yorkers until we address this. It’s time to ensure New Yorkers have access to the care they deserve.”
Senator Nathalia Fernandez, Chair of the Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee said: “For most New Yorkers, primary care is the first stop in our health care system. When doctors know their patients, they deliver better care and build stronger, more trusting relationships. We need to make sure these services are reaching communities with the most need. Communities without Primary Care doctors often see people flooding emergency rooms and urgent cares. Having an avenue for standard, regular medical help builds longevity for families. The Primary Care Investment Act is a vital step toward reducing such health disparities and ensuring every New Yorker has access to quality care.”
Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said: “New York is facing a growing primary care crisis, and the impact is felt most acutely in underserved communities and rural areas where provider shortages and limited services make it harder for families to access basic care. We know that preventive care keeps people healthier, reduces hospitalizations, and lowers overall health care costs. Strengthening primary care means earlier diagnoses, better outcomes, and a more sustainable health care system for all New Yorkers.”
Senator Chris Ryan said: “Primary care is the foundation of a strong healthcare system– but historically, these providers are often underpaid compared to other specialized health care providers. By directing more investment towards primary care, this legislation takes an important step toward ensuring that New Yorkers can better access preventive services, manage chronic conditions, and receive coordinated care close to home. I thank Senator Rivera and Assemblymember Paulin for sponsoring this bill, and I am proud to support this legislation.”
Senator Robert Jackson said: “Long before a crisis sends someone to a hospital, health is built quietly in neighborhood exam rooms, community clinics, and the trusted relationships between patients and caregivers. That is the power of primary care—preventing illness, protecting dignity, and strengthening communities. Yet for too long, our healthcare system has rewarded crisis more than care. I proudly stand in support of the Primary Care Investment Act because a healthier New York begins by investing in the care that keeps people well in the first place.”
Senator Lea Webb said: “Primary care is the foundation of a strong and equitable health care system, yet too many communities across New York are facing a growing shortage of providers, especially in our rural communities, said Senator Lea Webb. “The ‘Empty White Coat’ display is a powerful reminder that families in many areas are struggling to find a doctor or access basic care. When we Invest in primary care it helps to keep people healthier, reduces hospitalizations, and lowers long term health care costs. It is important that we also provide more resources for careers in primary health.”
Senator Nathalia Fernandez said: “For most New Yorkers, primary care is the first stop in our health care system. When doctors know their patients, they deliver better care and build stronger, more trusting relationships. We need to make sure these services are reaching communities with the most need. Communities without Primary Care doctors often see people flooding emergency rooms and urgent cares. Having an avenue for standard, regular medical help builds longevity for families. The Primary Care Investment Act is a vital step toward reducing such health disparities and ensuring every New Yorker has access to quality care.”
Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman said: “Primary care is the foundation of healthy communities. In neighborhoods like East Flatbush, Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Brownsville, access to consistent, quality primary care means earlier diagnoses, better management of chronic illnesses, and a real opportunity to prevent disease before it becomes a crisis. I have spent more than 20 years advocating in public health, and I know that when families have trusted doctors, clinics, and preventive services in their community, we save lives, reduce disparities, and strengthen the well-being of our entire neighborhood. Investing in primary care is not just about healthcare—it’s about equity, dignity, and ensuring that every resident has the chance to live a healthy life,”
Advocates emphasized that investing in primary care can improve patient outcomes, reduce health care costs, decrease the number of avoidable hospitalizations, and strengthen the overall health system. The coalition called on state leaders to pass the Primary Care Investment Act in order to increase access to care for communities across New York.
“Investing in primary care is a crucial step to improving the patient experience with our health care system, by reducing preventable emergency room visits, promoting health equity, and boosting patient outcomes,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, Vice President of Health Initiatives at the Community Service Society of New York. “Federal cuts have left New York with new health budget constraints, making it even more critical for the legislature to ensure that health insurance premium dollars are targeted wisely to augment access to primary care.”
“One in eight New Yorkers relies on community health centers for care, yet health centers are under growing financial strain from rising costs, workforce shortages, and reimbursement rates that have not been updated since 2000,” said Marie Mongeon, CHCANYS Chief External Affairs Officer. “The Primary Care Investment Act would help rebalance how payors invest in health care by directing more resources to primary care and correcting decades of underinvestment in what works: prevention and whole-person care. CHCANYS urges Albany to pass this legislation to strengthen safety-net primary care and support community health centers.”
The United States currently spends only 5-7% of all health care expenditures on primary care services, even though primary care accounts for approximately 35% of health care visits each year. More than 4.8 million New Yorkers live in a Health Resources Services Agency (HRSA)-designated primary care shortage area, and 66% of New Yorkers delay medical care due to high costs.
The event brought together advocates committed to strengthening the state’s primary care system and ensuring that all New Yorkers have access to the care they need.
For more information, please visit https://www.primarycareforny.org/
PCDC Media Contact:
Emily Frizzell
efrizzell@pcdc.org / 212-437-3933