A $140 Million Investment in St. Barnabas Hospital

George Alvarez, alongside Governor Kathy Hochul and other elected officials invested $140 million in state funding to increase emergency department capacity, upgrade equipment and expand community health partnerships in St.Barnabas Hospital. George has since vowed to continue to solidify investments for the 160 year old institution.

Protecting Access to Medical Transportation

Reliable and affordable transportation to healthcare centers is essential for ensuring that people are getting the healthcare they need at the exact time they need it. George Alvarez introduced bill A03898, which if passed will help ensure that providers of non-emergency medical transportation are not unfairly penalized for errors commited during Medicaid audits. This legislation aims to protect transportation providers that connect patients to critical medical appointments.

Expanding Accountability in Correctional Healthcare

George Alvarez introduced bill A07576A, which intends to improve health transparency within the prison system by requiring correctional facilities to notify incarcerated people’s emergency contacts if they experience a medical crisis. The bill will also expand access to medical records and establish an annual report on medical incidents and response times. If passed, this bill will strengthen accountability in correctional facilities and ensure that incarcerated people’s families and loved ones are informed during medical emergencies.  

Supporting Families and Caregivers

George Alvarez introduced bill A07583 which establishes a program that allows family members of children and young adults with developmental disabilities to be trained and paid to provide care and specialized in-home care services. With this bill, George wants to ensure that individuals with complex medical needs can receive services in a familiar and comfortable environment. He also wants to make in-home care more accessible to all families

Strengthening Healthcare Access for Dominican Seniors

As an Afro-Dominican and strong advocate for New York's Dominican community, George Alvarez introduced the New York–Dominican Health Partnership Act (A09169B). This legislation establishes a partnership between New York State and the Dominican Republic that would allow eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities who reside part-time in the Dominican Republic to access certain state-funded healthcare services. The bill also explores broader healthcare collaboration between New York and the Dominican Republic, helping ensure continuity of care for New Yorkers with deep ties to both communities.