Governor Kathy Hochul and U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres gathered with local officials, doctors, and healthcare leaders to address the anticipated effects of the “Big Ugly Bill,” legislation advanced by President Trump and Congressional Republicans. The bill is expected to result in nearly $13 billion in cuts impacting New York’s healthcare system. Projections indicate that about 1.5 million New Yorkers could lose their health insurance coverage, while more than 300,000 households may lose some or all of their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
“Republicans in Washington are resolute in their determination to inflict irreparable harm to the very programs that save the lives of millions of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “They have one goal in mind: to conceal tax breaks for their wealthy billionaires while simultaneously withdrawing health care and food benefits from families that rely on them. The fight to protect New Yorkers and uphold the very values of our nation is unfolding right now, and I am committed to being at the forefront of this fight every single day.”
Representative Ritchie Torres stated, “Donald Trump’s so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is a big ugly nightmare for the Bronx. By gutting Medicaid and SNAP, Republicans have put hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers at risk just to fund tax breaks for billionaires. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for standing with us in this fight to protect the families who stand to lose the most.”
The legislation, formally known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), would affect key federal programs including Medicaid, SNAP, and New York’s Essential Plan across congressional districts such as NY-15. According to data shared at the event:
– Over 272,000 individuals in NY-15 currently receive SNAP benefits.
– More than 512,000 people are enrolled in Medicaid within NY-15; nearly 94,100 are estimated to lose coverage due to OBBBA changes.
– Approximately 104,400 residents are enrolled in NY-15’s Essential Plan; about 12,800 could lose coverage.
Statewide projections suggest over two million people could lose current insurance coverage if OBBBA becomes law. This includes around 730,000 lawfully present non-citizens who may lose Essential Plan coverage due to an estimated $7.5 billion reduction in federal funding for that program alone. Another 1.3 million could lose Medicaid because of new eligibility requirements.
Of those losing coverage statewide, about 1.5 million are expected to become uninsured—a shift likely increasing uncompensated care costs for hospitals by more than $3 billion each year.
Analysis from groups such as Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) and Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) estimates that annual cuts totaling $8 billion could force hospitals across New York State—including rural facilities—to reduce services or close altogether.
The bill also introduces a Rural Transformation Fund providing $50 billion nationwide over five years—averaging $10 billion annually—but state officials say this is insufficient compared with projected losses just within New York’s hospital systems.
For SNAP recipients statewide—currently numbering nearly three million—the legislation would require states like New York to contribute toward benefit costs or risk ending participation entirely for their residents. This change could cost state and local governments up to $1.4 billion annually while reducing federal support for administrative expenses from half down to a quarter—adding roughly $36 million per year for state government and another $168 million collectively for counties and cities like New York City.
Further provisions impose stricter work requirements on SNAP beneficiaries—a move projected by state officials to cause more than 300,000 households across New York State to lose some or all assistance with an average loss per household estimated at $220 monthly.
Eligibility restrictions will also exclude certain legally present noncitizens from receiving food assistance under SNAP; approximately 41,000 individuals statewide—including refugees or those granted asylum—are expected be affected.
Funding reductions will impact nutrition education programs delivered through community organizations such as Cornell Cooperative Extensions across multiple counties.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald commented on these developments: “These cuts will have a devastating impact on all New Yorkers, leaving an estimated 1.5 million people in New York uninsured, stripping social and health care safety net services, driving up food insecurity and leaving hospitals to shoulder the burden of increasing health care costs. These cuts to health care coverage are unprecedented and cruel. The State Department of Health will continue to work with Governor Kathy Hochul, our dedicated hospital systems and state agency partners to take every measure possible to mitigate the impact of this bill.”
Several elected officials expressed concern regarding how these changes would affect vulnerable populations throughout both urban centers like the Bronx—as highlighted by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson—and rural communities alike.
“Cuts of this magnitude are devastating blows to working families, seniors, and children in communities like the Bronx who already face barriers to healthcare and food access,” said Council Member Kevin C. Riley.
State legislators emphasized potential increases in poverty rates among low-income households should access be reduced further during ongoing economic challenges.
