Bronx Safety-Net Alliance Celebrates Medicaid Hardship Exemption by Governor Hochul
The Bronx Safety-Net Alliance, a coalition comprising health centers, hospitals, and community organizations, has expressed its appreciation to New York Governor Kathy Hochul following the announcement that Bronx County will receive a hardship exemption from Medicaid work requirements mandated by H.R. 1. This exemption is particularly crucial as it will help protect medical coverage for about 200,000 residents, ensuring that individuals who are either working, searching for jobs, or undergoing temporary hardships have access to essential health care without bureaucratic obstacles.
In a formal statement, the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance praised the Hochul administration for its proactive steps to ensure health care access remains unimpeded for numerous Bronx residents due to the significant administrative challenges posed by H.R. 1. Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, President and CEO of Urban Health Plan, remarked on the pivotal nature of this exemption, acknowledging the collaborative efforts between the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance, the City, and the State. "This exemption alleviates an obstacle for Bronx families, and we are continuously grateful to the Governor and her team for their commitment to health care access for all New Yorkers," she stated.
According to New York State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri, the Bronx is uniquely positioned as the only county in the state meeting the federal criteria for such a hardship exemption due to its unemployment levels. The exemption will remain valid as long as Bronx County’s unemployment rate remains above the federal threshold, effectively allowing residents to maintain their Medicaid coverage without unnecessary hindrance.
Rose Duhan, President and CEO of the Community Health Care Association of New York State, highlighted the exemption as instrumental in ensuring that Bronx residents can continue receiving the care they require during a period where community health centers are already under financial strain. She further emphasized the growing importance of maintaining Medicaid enrollment amidst the current economic climate.
The Bronx Safety-Net Alliance emerged from a critical forum, “A Bronx Call to Action Protecting SNAP and Medicaid,” convened by Urban Health Plan in June. This event saw various stakeholders, including public officials, health care providers, and advocacy groups, come together to address federal changes that could impact Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) services. In a collaborative effort, the Alliance reached out to State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri to advocate for the hardship exemption, showcasing the unity and determination of the involved organizations.
Rebecca Wallach, Director of the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program at NYLAG, expressed gratitude towards New York State for preserving Medicaid access for a substantial number of Bronx residents, underscoring the collective efforts and advocacy of the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance. The statistics concerning Medicaid enrollment in the Bronx are alarming, with nearly 600,000 adults aged 19 to 64 on Medicaid—identifying a significant percentage of the population relying on these crucial health services.
The state health department is currently working in conjunction with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to finalize the details of how this exemption will be implemented, with further announcements expected in November. Although the exemption provides a promising outlook, Bronx Medicaid members will still need to renew their coverage every six months, and individuals receiving SNAP will face new work requirements.
Zac Hall, Senior Vice President of Programs at Food Bank For New York City, declared the exemption as a monumental achievement for Bronx residents, especially for those facing the prospect of health and food security amid complex bureaucratic demands. He iterated the ongoing commitment of the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance in addressing challenges faced by individuals and families.
About the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance: This coalition encompasses a variety of hospitals, health centers, managed care organizations, and community groups dedicated to ensuring that Bronx County residents have equal opportunities to access comprehensive health care, irrespective of their financial situation.
About Urban Health Plan: One of New York State's largest federally qualified health systems, Urban Health Plan serves communities in the South Bronx, Central Harlem, and Corona, Queens, aiming to enhance public health and ensuring affordable access to high-quality, comprehensive primary and specialty care, as well as behavioral health services, having surpassed 91,000 patients in 2025.
For continued updates and resources, visit urbanhealthplan.org.
In a formal statement, the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance praised the Hochul administration for its proactive steps to ensure health care access remains unimpeded for numerous Bronx residents due to the significant administrative challenges posed by H.R. 1. Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, President and CEO of Urban Health Plan, remarked on the pivotal nature of this exemption, acknowledging the collaborative efforts between the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance, the City, and the State. "This exemption alleviates an obstacle for Bronx families, and we are continuously grateful to the Governor and her team for their commitment to health care access for all New Yorkers," she stated.
According to New York State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri, the Bronx is uniquely positioned as the only county in the state meeting the federal criteria for such a hardship exemption due to its unemployment levels. The exemption will remain valid as long as Bronx County’s unemployment rate remains above the federal threshold, effectively allowing residents to maintain their Medicaid coverage without unnecessary hindrance.
Rose Duhan, President and CEO of the Community Health Care Association of New York State, highlighted the exemption as instrumental in ensuring that Bronx residents can continue receiving the care they require during a period where community health centers are already under financial strain. She further emphasized the growing importance of maintaining Medicaid enrollment amidst the current economic climate.
The Bronx Safety-Net Alliance emerged from a critical forum, “A Bronx Call to Action Protecting SNAP and Medicaid,” convened by Urban Health Plan in June. This event saw various stakeholders, including public officials, health care providers, and advocacy groups, come together to address federal changes that could impact Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) services. In a collaborative effort, the Alliance reached out to State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri to advocate for the hardship exemption, showcasing the unity and determination of the involved organizations.
Rebecca Wallach, Director of the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program at NYLAG, expressed gratitude towards New York State for preserving Medicaid access for a substantial number of Bronx residents, underscoring the collective efforts and advocacy of the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance. The statistics concerning Medicaid enrollment in the Bronx are alarming, with nearly 600,000 adults aged 19 to 64 on Medicaid—identifying a significant percentage of the population relying on these crucial health services.
The state health department is currently working in conjunction with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to finalize the details of how this exemption will be implemented, with further announcements expected in November. Although the exemption provides a promising outlook, Bronx Medicaid members will still need to renew their coverage every six months, and individuals receiving SNAP will face new work requirements.
Zac Hall, Senior Vice President of Programs at Food Bank For New York City, declared the exemption as a monumental achievement for Bronx residents, especially for those facing the prospect of health and food security amid complex bureaucratic demands. He iterated the ongoing commitment of the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance in addressing challenges faced by individuals and families.
About the Bronx Safety-Net Alliance: This coalition encompasses a variety of hospitals, health centers, managed care organizations, and community groups dedicated to ensuring that Bronx County residents have equal opportunities to access comprehensive health care, irrespective of their financial situation.
About Urban Health Plan: One of New York State's largest federally qualified health systems, Urban Health Plan serves communities in the South Bronx, Central Harlem, and Corona, Queens, aiming to enhance public health and ensuring affordable access to high-quality, comprehensive primary and specialty care, as well as behavioral health services, having surpassed 91,000 patients in 2025.
For continued updates and resources, visit urbanhealthplan.org.
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