Assemblyman William Colton (D – Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, and Dyker Heights) send a letter to the Empire/Anthem Insurance Company President & CEO Gail K. Boudreaux, regarding the contract negotiation with all New York-Presbyterian facilities, as well as Weill Cornell Medicine, Colombia Doctors, and physicians of New York-Presbyterian Medical Groups. “The contract with Empire/Anthem Insurance Company will expire at midnight on December 31, 2018, and will be considered out-of-network providers for all Empire/Anthem members as of January 1, 2019. What really concerns me here is that the constituent that is seeking help was simply notified that this negotiation can affect her ability to choose the high-quality care she is now receiving.”

“This is disgraceful and unacceptable that Empire/Anthem Insurance Company is demanding deep cuts that would slash more than $200 million in payments to New York-Presbyterian, while the insurance massive generates billions in profits for its major shareholders. I believe that all their members deserve broad access to the very best healthcare services. I believe that everyone should be able to choose their doctors and where they will receive their health care,” Colton stated.   

“People are relying on their medical coverage to survive. The health issue that the patients are encountering is frustrating itself and already has had a terrible impact on them and their families. This lack of agreement is further stressing out already ill people. Health care is a critical public concern; therefore Empire/Anthem must work out a good faith negotiation. The duty of the Empire/Anthem is to find a way to respect the choice of all the New Yorkers, and come to a reasonable agreement and resolve this matter as quickly as possible,” added Colton.