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Today’s ruling is a win for the many retirees who fought for the health care that they worked so hard for and were promised. When the Medicare Advantage contract was submitted to us this spring, our office declined to register it because we were concerned that litigation raised doubts about the City's authority to enter into the contract. Today’s decision shows we were right to do so.
As a matter of public policy, beyond the scope of our office’s specific Charter responsibility for contract registration, I was and remain seriously concerned about the privatization of Medicare plans, overbilling by insurance companies, and barriers to care under Medicare Advantage. It is vital that all seniors — and all New Yorkers — get quality health coverage as a basic human right.
At the same time, given the growing costs of health care for both retirees and active employees we cannot ignore that there are real cost questions facing the City when it comes to health care. It is time for all parties to come to the table to identify creative and effective solutions.
New York’s public sector retirees have contributed so much to this City, and I am deeply grateful for your service.
Thanks,
Brad
P.S. If the Medicare Advantage contract has prompted your interest in the City’s procurement process, you can learn a ton about City contracting in our Annual Contracts Report. And if you’re interested in specific contracts, our award-winning Checkbook NYC database is a great resource.
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