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Senate approves Primary Care Investment Act to shift health spending toward primary care
Summary
The Senate passed a Primary Care Investment Act directing the state to increase primary‑care spending over time to at least 12.5% of total health spending, a policy sponsors said would improve outcomes and save money long term.
The New York State Senate on June 10 approved legislation described on the floor as the Primary Care Investment Act, which would direct state policy to increase the share of health spending devoted to primary care until it reaches at least 12.5% of total health spending.
Senator Rivera, speaking as sponsor, framed the bill as a funding‑direction measure: it “does nothing to change the amount of money that the state of New York spends on health, but instead, it changes where that money goes.” Rivera said the measure would phase an increase in primary‑care spending and that boosting primary care, by catching chronic problems earlier and shifting care away from emergency departments, would reduce long‑term costs. Rivera noted a shortage of primary care access affecting more than 4.7 million New Yorkers in areas with declared primary‑care shortages after December 2024.
Senator Bailey spoke in support, calling primary care “the initial entry into the medical system” and urging incentives for physicians to pursue primary care specialties.
The bill was recorded on the floor as Title 274 (Senate print noted on the record) and, after debate and explanation votes, was announced as passed by the clerk. Floor roll results read “Ayes 49, Nays 10.” Sponsors said the measure is designed as an «investment» that would shift reimbursement to increase primary‑care capacity and quality over time.
Why it matters: Supporters argued the measure would reorient health spending toward prevention, expand the primary‑care workforce and reduce downstream spending on emergency care and complications. Critics raised concerns about whether this statutory direction adequately addresses the mechanics of payment reform and workforce supply.
What happens next: The law’s implementation would require executive‑branch actions—insurers, state agencies and providers would ultimately determine changes in payment practices. Floor remarks noted the bill’s aim is to set a target and a process for shifting spending to primary care.
Provenance: Senate floor remarks by Senator Rivera and roll call announced June 10, 2025.
