NY Physicians Stress Final State Budget Must Reject Proposals that Impede Access to Care

May 8, 2026
For Immediate Release

NY Physicians Stress Final State Budget Must Reject Proposals that Impede Access to Care

Statement Attributable to:
Mark J. Adams, MD, MBA, FACR
President, Medical Society of the State of New York 

“As the Legislature and Governor finalize the 2026–27 State Budget, it is imperative that they take decisive action to preserve patient access to skilled primary and specialty physician care in communities and hospitals across New York State.

“This includes protecting access to a fair Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) process and ensuring continued full funding of the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program. Both are essential to retaining physicians in New York and ensuring that patients continue to have access to care in hospital emergency departments and communities throughout the state. Several budget proposals currently under consideration would severely undermine these critical programs and must be rejected in the final Budget.

“Failure to maintain these protections would drive physicians out of New York at a time when our state is already facing serious healthcare workforce shortages. As New York already maintains the dubious distinction of being the worst state to be a physician the result would be even greater barriers for patients seeking timely access to care in every region of the state.

“We also urge inclusion in the final Budget of stronger protections against abusive and aberrant health insurer practices that are threatening the viability of physician practices. This must include meaningful reforms to excessive and burdensome prior authorization requirements that routinely delay or deny patients access to medically necessary care.

“We are at a critical moment for the future of healthcare in New York. We urge the Governor and legislative leaders to act now to preserve meaningful patient access to community and hospital-based physician care throughout New York State.”

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Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents, and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all. 

Media Contact:
Roseann Raia | Manager, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x302 | [email protected]

Julie Vecchione
Vice President, Communications
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Avenue
Westbury, NY 11590
516.488.6100 x340 | [email protected]