ALBANY, NY — Today, a coalition of primary care providers from across New York State called on Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and members of the legislature to pass the Primary Care Investment Act (S1634/A1915A) immediately, warning that chronic underinvestment in primary care is driving worsening health outcomes, rising costs, and widening inequities.
In a letter sent today, providers detailed the urgent need to strengthen primary care infrastructure amid growing demand and workforce shortages.
“Every day, we see patients who cannot access timely care, leading to worsening conditions that could have been prevented,” the providers wrote. “There are simply not enough primary care providers to meet the need, resulting in long wait times, administrative strain, and widespread burnout.”
Primary care serves as the backbone of an effective and equitable health care system, yet it remains significantly underfunded. Nationwide, only 5–7% of total health care spending is directed toward primary care, despite accounting for roughly 35% of all health care visits.
The consequences are especially acute in New York. More than 4.8 million residents live in federally designated primary care shortage areas, and 66% report delaying care due to cost. These barriers disproportionately impact Black and Latino communities, contributing to higher rates of preventable hospitalizations and premature death.
New York’s health care system already exceeds $300 billion annually in spending while delivering only average outcomes. Providers argue that rebalancing investments toward primary care is a proven way to improve both cost efficiency and patient health.
The “Primary Care Investment Act” would require health plans to increase spending on primary care to at least 12.5% of total health care expenditures. Evidence from other states suggests such reforms can yield significant benefits. Rhode Island’s regulatory reforms, which included a targeted increase in primary care spending, for example, saw a 14% reduction in total medical spending over the first four years of measurement, along with growth in its primary care workforce.
Research also shows that increasing the number of primary care physicians by just one per 10,000 people is associated with 11% fewer hospital visits, 7% fewer surgeries, and 5.5% fewer emergency department visits.
“Investing in primary care is one of the most effective ways to improve life expectancy, reduce inequities, and lower costs,” the providers emphasized. “It also strengthens communities by supporting healthier families, a more stable workforce, and a sustainable health care system.”
The coalition is urging lawmakers to act this legislative session.
“New Yorkers deserve a health care system that prioritizes prevention, equity, and value,” the letter concludes. “The ‘Primary Care Investment Act’ is a critical step toward achieving that vision.”
For more information, please visit https://www.primarycareforny.org/
PCDC Media Contact:
Teagan Kuruna
tkuruna@pcdc.org