Statement from Comptroller Brad Lander on Appellate Division’s Decision to Uphold Supreme Court Decision on Medicare Advantage

New York, NY — New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released the following statement in response to the Appellate Division’s affirmation of the New York Supreme Court decision blocking the City from shifting retirees to a Medicare Advantage plan:

“This is yet another win for the many retirees fighting to keep the health care they worked for and were promised. When the Medicare Advantage contract was submitted to my office last year, we declined to register it knowing that litigation raised doubts about the City’s authority to enter into the contract. Multiple decisions by the courts show 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.”

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