Talking about the inherent unfairness and inequalities in our health care system is a critical contribution to New York’s ongoing dialogue about how to improve it.

Too many New Yorkers are left out or left with substandard care, and often the determining factor is income, race, immigration status, gender or language proficiency.  Because maintaining good health is central to opportunity, it is an affront to our basic values that an unfair system prevents entire communities from getting the care they need. As advocates, researchers and policymakers, we need to harness these values to build public will for a health care system that works for everyone.