SENATOR RIVERA IN ALBANY

This week, Senator Rivera was proud to stand with the New York Metro Chapter of the Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP NY Metro) and other organizations at a press conference in Albany to pass the New York Health Act (NYHA). With Washington aiming to cut significant funding from our Medicaid program, we must protect New Yorkers from the financial devastation of medical costs and the rise of communicable diseases among the most vulnerable ones.

The NYHA (S.3425). which Senator Rivera has sponsored since 2015, would replace existing private insurance plans for every single worker and resident and include all benefits covered by Medicare, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and those mandated by the affordable care act. Support the NYHA here!

Watch Senator Rivera's reel here

SENATOR RIVERA RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS FROM THE AMERICAN RED CROSS ON THE SENATE FLOOR

This week, Senator Rivera recognized volunteers from the American Red Cross on the floor of the Senate during the presentation of a resolution designating March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross' commitment to serve makes a difference in the lives of New Yorkers facing desperate situations.

While all of them are outstanding and distinguished humanitarians, the Senator recognized three in particular, Margie Davis, Ashley Flowers, and Chuck Haupt. Thank you to all your outstanding humanitarian work.

See more pictures here.

This week, Senator Rivera joined a press conference in Albany to support primary care and the work that SOMOS Community Care is doing in New York. SOMOS Community Care is a not-for-profit, community-based, integrated network of independent physicians who play a critical role in making health care more equitable. SOMOS' network of more than 2,600 independent primary care physicians, specialists, behavioral health providers, pharmacies and community-based organizations serve more than one million patients across New York State.

"When you come to Albany, you can tell us about the impact our decisions have across the state and in our communities, and you can remind our colleagues about the consequences of our legislation. I'm always happy to welcome Primary Care physicians," said Senator Rivera.

SENATOR RIVERA JOINS COLLEAGUES CALLING TO DELAY CDPAP TRANSITION

This week in Albany, Senator Rivera joined Senator Leroy Comrie, the Caring Majority Rising and other organizations and colleagues to urge the Executive to move the deadline about the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) transition to a single fiscal intermediary.

"It won't be completed before April 1st, and many New Yorkers will be left without homecare. This is not hypothetical," said Senator Rivera.

Watch Senator Rivera's reel here.

SENATOR RIVERA MEETS WITH CUNY CHANCELLOR FÉLIX MATOS

This week, Senator Rivera welcomed the Chancellor of the City University of New York (CUNY) Félix V. Matos to his Albany office.

"I’ve said it countless times, and I’ll keep saying it – CUNY is an integral part of the fabric that makes our City extraordinary and we must protect it at all costs. Don't have any doubts that you have an ally in me," said Senator Rivera.

Thank you to the Chancellor for his visit.

SATURDAY 04/19: JOIN THE ANNUAL SPRING EGG HUNT AT WILLIAMSBRIDGE OVAL RECREATION CENTER

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES (DFS) LAUNCHES DFS CONNECT PLATFORM TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR NEW YORKERS TO FILE COMPLAINTS ABOUT DRUG SPIKES.

Once a complaint is submitted through DFS Connect, an individual can track its status in real-time and communicate directly with DFS staff about their issue. DFS Connect eliminates bureaucratic red tape and creates a user-friendly platform that enhances oversight and ensures better service to regulate businesses and consumers alike. Pharmacies will also be able to report problematic business practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and drug manufacturers.

“The new DFS Connect will allow New York businesses and consumers to file complaints against dramatic spikes in the cost of, in many cases, life saving prescription drugs and abusive practices from PBMs and drug manufacturers in a streamlined and transparent manner. I want to thank Governor Hochul’s administration for launching this platform to keep tabs on any attempts by large corporations to take advantage of New Yorkers," said Senator Rivera.

DFS Connect available here