Many New Yorkers are living without health insurance, and health care advocates, elected officials, so community members joined together outside of Montefiore Hospital to demand state action. 

Advocates leading the charge called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to support Coverage For All, a campaign led by the New York Immigration Coalition and Make the Road New York.  

The plan could cover more than 200,000 uninsured New Yorkers and save the state millions, helping immigrants get the health care they need. 

"When we get sick, we can't work they kick us out from work because we can't even see a doctor and ask what's going on with my health,” said Gabina Santamaria, a community member at the rally. 

Advocates say the bill could be funded with federal dollars once added to the 2024 state budget. 

The governor’s office provided the following response: 

"Gov. Kathy Hochul continues to work with the legislature to deliver a final budget that meets the needs of all New Yorkers." 

Coverage For All has gained support from elected officials like Mayor Eric Adams, as well as major unions and thousands of New Yorkers. Negotiations for the 2024 state budget continue through this week.