MSSNYPAC Endorsements For Election Approved at 9/17 MSSNY Council Meeting

At its September 17 meeting, the MSSNY Council affirmed the below candidate endorsements from the MSSNYPAC Political Action Committee recommended at its September 2 MSSNYPAC Executive Committee meeting. The recommendations were based upon recommendations of the MSSNYPAC State Candidate Evaluation Subcommittee and Federal Candidate Evaluation Subcommittee at its July 27 and August 12 meetings, respectively. Each of the 39 members listed below has demonstrated themselves to be champions of issues of importance to physicians and the patients they treat.

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Assemblymember Harry Bronson, 138th District (D – Monroe County) – Led the effort over multiple years to oppose adverse Executive Budget proposal to eliminate county medical society vetting of applications for Workers’ Compensation participation, and support for efforts to reduce hassles for claim processing in Workers’ Compensation.  Chief sponsor of MSSNY-supported legislation (A.10023) to prohibit non-compete clauses in physician employment contracts.   Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (A.8052) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849)

Assemblymember David DiPietro, 147th District (R-Erie & Wyoming Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (A.3789) and create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849)

Assemblymember Christopher Friend, 124th District (R-Broome, Chemung and Tioga Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986)

Assemblymember Scott Gray, 116th District (R-Jefferson & St. Lawrence Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986) and create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849)

Assemblymember Steve Hawley, 139th District (R-Erie, Genesee, Monroe & Orleans Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063) and increased scope of practice for chiropractors (A.4706).  Sponsor of legislation to impose limits on non-economic damages in medical liability actions (A.2305). Also, supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (A.3789), legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849), and legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986).

Assemblymember Josh Jensen, 134th District (R-Monroe County) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986) and create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).  Moreover, during State Budget hearings, asked numerous questions highlighting concerns with various adverse Executive Budget proposals relating to Excess Liability Insurance and Independent Dispute Resolution.

Assemblymember Anna Kelles, 125th District (D – Cortland & Tompkins Counties) – A strong vocal opponent to adverse Executive Budget proposals that significantly restricted physician ability to challenge health plan underpayments through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.    Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (A.3789), prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (A.8052) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).

John Lemondes, 126th District (R-Cayuga & Onondaga Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (A.3789), prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986) and create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849). A regular attendee of MSSNY’s Physician Advocacy Day Lunch program.

Assemblymember John McDonald, 108th District, (D-Albany, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (A.3789), legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (A.8052) and was the chief sponsor of legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).

Assemblymember Brian Miller, 122d District (R-Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, and Otsego counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).

Assemblymember Andrew Molitor, 150th District (R-Chautauqua & Erie Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).

Assemblymember Amy Paulin, 88th District (D-Westchester) – Chair of the New York State Assembly Health Committee and chief sponsor of legislation (A.2526) to permit independently practicing physicians with right to collectively negotiate with health insurers, legislation (A.6773) to eliminate adverse statutory post-service consent for payment requirement (put on hold by the Governor), and legislation to continue required insurance telehealth payment parity (A.1691).  Led effort to enshrine into law requirement for health insurers to utilize physicians of same specialty during internal appeals of denied pre-authorizations or claims. Also strongly opposed Executive Budget proposal to require physicians to bear 50% of Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance cost, and proposal that significantly restricted physician ability to challenge health plan underpayments through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.  Strong proponent for Budget proposal that reduces health insurer prior authorization hassles.  Moreover, she has consistently presented and answered questions from physicians during MSSNY’s Annual Albany Physician Advocacy Day.

Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, 22nd District (D – Nassau County) – Led efforts over multiple years to strongly oppose adverse Executive Budget proposals that significantly restricted physician ability to challenge health plan underpayments through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.  Chief sponsor of MSSNY-supported legislation to increase Prompt Payment fines on health plans (A.9265) and legislation to require health plans to honor a patient Assignment of Benefits to an out-of-network physician (A.9281). Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (A.8052) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).

Assemblymember Matthew Simpson, 114th District (R-Essex, Fulton, Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (A.3789), legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).

Assemblymember David Weprin, 24th District (D-Queens County) – Assembly Insurance Committee Chair and chief sponsor of legislation (A.3789) to reduce health insurer pre-authorization hassles, as well as legislation (A.3885) to help preserve out of network health insurance coverage in NYSHIP health benefits. Also strongly opposed Executive Budget proposal to require physicians to bear 50% of Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance cost, and proposal that significantly restricted physician ability to challenge health plan underpayments through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.   Strong proponent for Budget proposal that reduces health insurer prior authorization hassles.  He has consistently presented and answered questions from physicians during MSSNY’s Annual Albany Physician Advocacy Day.

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, 113th District (D-Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties) – a leading proponent over several years of legislation to continue health insurer payment parity for healthcare services delivered via telehealth (continued in State Budget until 2028).  Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (A.3789), prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (A.8052) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).  A regular attendee of meetings of the Saratoga County Medical Society

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

Senator Jamal Bailey, 36th Senate District (D – Bronx County) – Senate Insurance Committee Chair, and Chief Sponsor of legislation to increase health insurer Prompt Payment penalties (S.5323) and legislation (S.4163) to require greater transparency of health insurer prior authorization requirements.  Also strongly opposed Executive Budget proposal to require physicians to bear 50% of Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance cost, and proposal that significantly restricted physician ability to challenge health plan underpayments through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.  Supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401). He has consistently presented and answered questions from physicians during MSSNY’s Annual Albany Physician Advocacy Day.

Senator Samra Brouk, 55th District (D – Monroe County) – Co-Chief champion for continued funding for the Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI), a joint program between MSSNY, the NYS Psychiatric Association and the National Association of Social Workers to expand physician and other care provider awareness and training of mental health services for veteran patients.  Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (S.9651), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator George Borello, 57th District (R-Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee & Wyoming Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (S.4423) and legislation that increased scope of surgical privileges for podiatrists (S.6693).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator Patricia Canzoneri – Fitzpatrick, 9th District (R – Nassau County) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (S.4423) and legislation that increased scope of surgical privileges for podiatrists (S.6693).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator Jeremy Cooney, 56th District (D-Monroe County) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (S.4423) and legislation that increased scope of surgical privileges for podiatrists (S.6693).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator Pat Fahy, 46th Senate District (D-Albany, Montgomery & Schenectady Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (S.4423).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator Patrick Gallivan, 60th District (R-Erie) – Organized Senate Republican conference opposition to several adverse Budget proposals, including legislation to require the 16,000 physicians receiving Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance coverage to pay 50% of the cost, and legislation that significantly restricted physician ability to challenge health plan underpayments through the Independent Dispute Resolution process. Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (S.9651), legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator Joseph Griffo, 53rd District (R-Chenango, Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (S.4423).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Assemblymember Grace Lee, running for Senate 27th District (D -New York County) – A strong vocal opponent to adverse Executive Budget proposals that significantly restricted physician ability to challenge health plan underpayments through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.    Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).

Senator Gustavo Rivera, 33rd District (D-Bronx) – Chief sponsor of numerous bills supported by MSSNY, including legislation (S.3359) to provide payment parity for telehealth-delivered health care services, legislation (S.1911) to provide physicians with greater due process when their participation contract is non-renewed from a health insurer, legislation (S.7913) to prohibit health insurers and hospitals from requiring a physician to maintain board certification as a condition of participation.  As Chair of Senate Health Committee, Also strongly opposed Executive Budget proposal to require physicians to bear 50% of Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance cost, and proposal that significantly restricted physician ability to challenge health plan underpayments through the Independent Dispute Resolution process.  Strong proponent for Budget proposal that reduces health insurer prior authorization hassles.  He has consistently presented and answered questions from physicians during MSSNY’s Annual Albany Physician Advocacy Day.

Senator Thomas O’Mara, 58th District (R-Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga & Yates Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (S.4423) and legislation that increased scope of surgical privileges for podiatrists (S.6693).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105)   and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator Christopher Ryan, 50th District (Onondaga & Oswego Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (S.4423). Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (S.9651), legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D – Kings & Richmond Counties) – – Co-Chief champion for continued funding for the Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI), a joint program between MSSNY, the NYS Psychiatric Association and the National Association of Social Workers to expand physician and other care provider awareness and training of mental health services for veteran patients.  Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (S.9651), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).  Opposed legislation that increased the scope of surgical privileges for podiatrists (S.6693).

Senator Toby Stavisky, 11th District (D-Queens) – As Chair of Senate Higher Education Committee, she has thoughtfully considered MSSNY and specialty society concerns with the litany of bills that would inappropriately expand the statutory scope of practice of numerous health care professionals.  In particular, she led efforts to exclude from the State Budget proposals to permit many Physician Assistants to practice without physician supervision and was integral to efforts to prevent passage of legislation that would have greatly increased the scope-of-practice of chiropractors (S.5860).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).

Senator Daniel Stec, 45th District (R-Clinton, Essex, Franklin, St. Lawrence, Warren & Washington) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (S.4423). Also supported legislation to reduce health plan prior authorization hassles (S.9651), legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (S.2105), legislation to require due process protections when a physician’s participation contract with a health plan is non-renewed (S.1911) and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (S.9401).  Moreover, is a regular participant in the annual 3rd/4th MSSNY District Winter meeting.

Assemblymember Chris Tague (R – running for Senate District 51 – Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan & Ulster Counties) – opposed legislation which would have greatly increased liability premium costs for physicians (A.6063).  Also supported legislation to prohibit health plan payment by Virtual Credit Card in the absence of express physician consent (A.3986), and legislation to create interoperability between I-STOP and a physician’s EMR (A.8849).

NEW YORK CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Rep. Tim Kennedy (D–26th District/Erie & Niagara Counties) – Co-sponsor of legislation to:

• Provide greater Medicare payment stability (HR 8163)
• Reduce prior authorization hassles in Medicare Advantage (HR 3514)
• Provides long-term Medicare coverage of telehealth services (HR 4206)
• Expand the number of Conrad-30 slots that each state may make available for IMG physicians (HR 1585)
• To exempt physician applicants of $100,000 fee for H-1B Visas (HR 7961)

He also voted against HR 1, legislation that substantially reduced eligibility for Medicaid and other publicly funded health insurance programs.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R–17th District/Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester) – Chief sponsor of legislation to exempt physician applicants from $100,000 fee for H-1B Visas (HR 7961) and co-sponsor of legislation to:

• Provide greater Medicare payment stability (HR 8163)
• Reduce prior authorization hassles in Medicare Advantage (HR 3514)
• Provides long-term Medicare coverage of telehealth services (HR 4206)
• Expand the number of Conrad-30 slots that each state may make available for IMG physicians (HR 1585)
• Require CMS to report, and provide resources for states, on coverage of remote physiologic devices and related services (e.g., blood glucose monitors) under Medicaid (HR 4977)

Rep. John Mannion (D-22d District (Madison, Oneida & Onondaga Counties)

• Provide greater Medicare payment stability (HR 8163)
• Reduce prior authorization hassles in Medicare Advantage (HR 3514)
• Provides long-term Medicare coverage of telehealth services (HR 4206)
• Exempt physician applicants from $100,000 fee for H-1B Visas (HR 7961)

He also voted against HR 1, legislation that substantially reduced eligibility for Medicaid and other publicly funded health insurance programs.

Rep. Grace Meng (D – 6th District/Queens County) – Co-sponsor of legislation to:

• Reduce prior authorization hassles in Medicare Advantage (HR 3514)
• Provides long-term Medicare coverage of telehealth services (HR 4206)
• Expand the number of Conrad-30 slots that each state may make available for IMG physicians (HR 1585)
• Exempt physician applicants from $100,000 fee for H-1B Visas (HR 7961)

She also voted against HR 1, legislation that substantially reduced eligibility for Medicaid and other publicly funded health insurance programs.

Rep Joe Morelle (D–25th District/Monroe and Orleans Counties) – co-sponsor of legislation to:

• Provide greater Medicare payment stability (HR 8163)
• Reduce prior authorization hassles in Medicare Advantage (HR 3514)
• Provides long-term Medicare coverage of telehealth services (HR 4206)
• To exempt physician applicants of $100,000 fee for H-1B Visas (HR 7961)

He also voted against HR 1, legislation that substantially reduced eligibility for Medicaid and other publicly funded health insurance programs. He has maintained a strong relationship with local physicians and MSSNY physician leadership. In addition, he spoke at the 2026 MSSNY HOD and played a significant role in pushing back against components of the No Surprises Act that would have made the federal IDR process for resolving out of network disputes even more difficult for physicians to navigate.

Rep. Josh Riley (D-19th District/Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins and Ulster Counties) – Co-sponsor of legislation to:

• Provide greater Medicare payment stability (HR 8163)
• Reduce prior authorization hassles in Medicare Advantage (HR 3514)
• Provides long-term Medicare coverage of telehealth services (HR 4206)
• Expand the number of Conrad-30 slots that each state may make available for IMG physicians (HR 1585)
• Exempt physician applicants from $100,000 fee for H-1B Visas (HR 7961)

He also voted against HR 1, legislation that substantially reduced eligibility for Medicaid and other publicly funded health insurance programs.

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-3rd District/Nassau County) – Chief co-sponsor of legislation (A8163) to provide greater Medicare payment stability and co-sponsor of legislation to:

• Reduce prior authorization hassles in Medicare Advantage (HR 3514)
• Provides long-term Medicare coverage of telehealth services (HR 4206)
• Expand the number of Conrad-30 slots that each state may make available for IMG physicians (HR 1585)
• To exempt physician applicants from $100,000 fee for H-1B Visas (HR 7961)

He also voted against HR 1, legislation that substantially reduced eligibility for Medicaid and other publicly funded health insurance programs. In addition, in 2021, as a member of the Ways & Means Committee, Rep. Suozzi played a significant role in pushing back against components of the No Surprises Act that would have made the federal IDR process for out of network disputes even more difficult for physicians to navigate. He has maintained a strong relationship with local physicians.