A report from the Empire Center found that New York’s early response to the coronavirus pandemic was undermined by flawed guidance from the federal government, inadequate planning and stockpiling, limited consultation with experts, exaggerated projections and poor cooperation between federal, state and local officials, among other issues.

As we emerge from the worst pandemic in a century, we face a new threat to our lives and economic well-being – the danger that our leaders will fail to learn from a painful experience.

Featuring:

  • Moderator: Tim Hoefer, President & CEO, Empire Center for Public Policy
  • Bill Hammond, senior fellow for health policy, Empire Center for Public Policy
  • Hon. Richard Gottfried, chairman, Assembly Health Committee
  • Dr. Guthrie Birkhead, emeritus professor, University at Albany School of Public Health, former deputy commissioner, New York State Department of Health
  • Sarah Ravenhall, executive director, New York State Association of County Health Officials
  • Hon. Sue Serino, ranking member, Senate Aging Committee

Tags:

About the Author

Bill Hammond

As the Empire Center’s senior fellow for health policy, Bill Hammond tracks fast-moving developments in New York’s massive health care industry, with a focus on how decisions made in Albany and Washington affect the well-being of patients, providers, taxpayers and the state’s economy.

Read more by Bill Hammond

You may also like

How Not To Go Viral: Preparing New York for the Next Pandemic

The worst viral outbreak in more than a century has exposed critical weaknesses in New York's public health defenses. Learning the lessons of this crisis – and fortifying the state against the next infectious disease – should be a top priority for sta Read More

Critical Condition

Manhattan’s world-famous institutions notwithstanding, New York’s hospitals collectively rate as below-average on benchmarks of quality, accessibility, efficiency and cost. What can be done to improve the Empire State’s dismal hospital performanc Read More

Diagnosis: Disruption

HCRA, the ACA and NY's Coming Healthcare Storm Read More

Consumer-Driven Health Care: A Cure for New York’s Health Care Woes?

The Empire Center hosted a frank discussion of consumer-driven health care solutions and discussed what the other option in the health care debate could mean to New York. Read More

Health Policy Issues and Options for New York: What Can We Learn from Other States?

Some of the nation's top health policy experts gathered to share ideas on how to curb health care expenses, improve health care services and expand access to health insurance in New York State. Featured topics included innovative Medicaid reforms in Florida and Kentucky, the Massachusetts health insurance reform plan, the pitfalls of a Canada-style universal health plan, and the potential benefits of expanding consumer health care choices. Read More

Healthier Choice: Market-Based Reforms for New York’s Uninsured

The Empire Center explored these market-based reforms for New York's uninsured at a policy forum in Albany. Read More

Taking Ownership: The Patient’s Role in Medicaid

New York has the nation's largest Medicaid program, serving over 5 million enrollees at a cost of $54 billion annually. But a small percentage of Medicaid patients, with chronic medical and behavioral health diseases account for a disproportionate share of the program's total spending. "Taking Ownership: The Patient's role in Medicaid" profiles some reforms largely overlooked in the state's redesign, healthcare experts from around the state participated in a panel discussion hosted by the Empire Center. Read More