My name is Thuraya Saleh, and I am a student at Bronx Community College. I am speaking not only from my own experience, but on behalf of my family and many others who are harmed by the gaps in our healthcare system.

Shortly after the pandemic, one of my family members went to the hospital for labor and delivery. The experience itself went well, but about a week later, our family received a medical bill in the mail. Despite having health insurance, it did not cover the full cost of care. This unexpected expense placed a serious financial strain on my family at a time when we should have been focused on recovery and care, not debt.

I have faced similar challenges myself. I went to the doctor for a medical concern and was prescribed medication that I needed for my condition. However, my insurance did not cover the medication, forcing me to pay out of pocket. As a college student, these costs are difficult to manage and create unnecessary stress on top of school and daily responsibilities.

These experiences show how insurance coverage alone is not enough. When essential care and medication are unaffordable, healthcare becomes a privilege instead of a right. This burden falls hardest on low-income and immigrant families, who are often forced to choose between their health and basic necessities.

Passing the New York Health Act would ensure universal healthcare, allowing people to receive the medical care they need without fear of financial hardship. No one should be punished for giving birth, seeking treatment, or following a doctor’s orders. Healthcare should support our communities.