ALBANY, NY — Today, the Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC) and the New York State Primary Care Coalition convened advocates, healthcare providers, and community leaders at the New York State Capitol for a Lobby Day calling on lawmakers to pass the Primary Care Investment Act (S1634/A1915A), critical legislation aimed at strengthening New York’s primary care system.

Throughout the day, coalition members met with legislators to underscore the urgent need for sustained investment in primary care, highlighting a growing crisis across the state. Currently, four in ten New Yorkers live with at least one chronic condition, while 66% report delaying or avoiding care due to cost. Additionally, 15% of residents lack a regular healthcare provider due to widespread gaps in access to care.

To bring visibility to the primary care shortage, advocates staged a powerful visual display inside the Capitol: empty white doctors’ coats representing the alarming shortage of primary care providers serving communities across New York. The installation served as a stark reminder of the human impact behind the statistics and the urgent need for policy solutions.

“Primary care is the foundation of a healthy, equitable healthcare system, yet it remains chronically underfunded,” said Aparna Mekala, Chief Executive Officer, Primary Care Development Corporation. “The Primary Care Investment Act is a commonsense solution that our elected leaders should support that will ensure we invest in prevention, expand access, and build a stronger healthcare system for all New Yorkers.”

The Primary Care Investment Act would establish a transparent framework for tracking healthcare spending on primary care and require insurers to gradually increase that investment to at least 12.5% of total healthcare spending. Advocates emphasized that increasing access to primary care can lead to measurable improvements in health outcomes, including reductions in hospital visits, emergency room utilization, and unnecessary procedures.

Participants urged legislators to co-sponsor the PCIA, move the bill out of committee, and support its passage during the current legislative session.

The coalition also highlighted how increased investment in primary care can help address long-term budget challenges facing New York’s healthcare system by shifting focus toward prevention, early intervention, and chronic disease management.

For more information, please visit https://www.primarycareforny.org/

PCDC Media Contact:
Teagan Kuruna
tkuruna@pcdc.org