Cuomo: It’s ‘an assault’ on N.Y.ers

‘FUNDAMENTAL MEANNESS’

ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo Thursday trashed the U.S. Senate health care bill as an “ultraconservative assault on New Yorkers and our values” that could hit the state hard.

Cuomo warned the bill will strip coverage from millions of New Yorkers and cost the state billions of dollars while devastating New York’s health care system.

He also blasted the Senate Republicans for accepting a “reckless” House amendment pushed by upstate Republican Reps. Chris Collins and John Faso that would shift the local share of Medicaid outside New York City on to the state — a move that he said would cost the state an additional $2.3 billion a year.

Collins and Faso expressed “satisfaction” that the Senate included their provision in its health care plan.

“This is important and welcome news for New Yorkers that the Senate leaders have recognized the burdens placed upon taxpayers for far too long and included our amendment to force Albany to end its unfunded mandate on New York’s counties once and for all,” Collins said.

He and Faso have argued there should be enough areas to cut in a state budget that exceeds $150 billion. “Gov. Cuomo’s false and hysterical charges about this provision are unfortunate,” Faso said. “Rather than false claims, Mr. Cuomo should start preparing to reform his Medicaid program.”

Cuomo (below) did not rule out a lawsuit. He also announced 11 panel discussions will be held across the state on the future of New York health care.

“In New York, we believe that health care is a human right,” Cuomo said.

State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman tweeted that the Senate health care bill is “an unconstitutional attack masquerading as reform. If signed by (President Trump), I’ll sue to protect New Yorkers.”