Expansion of Free Healthcare for Sex Workers in New York
Governor Kathy Hochul has quietly expanded a pilot initiative offering free healthcare to sex workers, with taxpayers now expected to bear a cost of around $2.5 million.
The state Department of Health allocated $1 million in public funds in 2023 to two contractors involved in the program. This initiative, part of Hochul’s strategy to support “the world’s oldest profession,” will continue until June 2028, incurring an additional $1.5 million in expenses.
Through this program, sex workers in New York City and Buffalo will have access to primary, sexual, behavioral, and dental health services.
However, critics have expressed concerns about this medical program, which was initiated without the state legislature’s approval, arguing it may encourage prostitution. Some have pointed to the political motives behind the decision, suggesting Hochul extended the pilot to appease Mayor Zoran Mamdani and other left-leaning Democrats who advocate for the decriminalization of sex work.
State Representative Michael Novahoff (R-Brooklyn) remarked, “There is no greater example of how much New York Democrats cater to the far left than Governor Hochul, who is funding the health care of millions of prostitutes while actual front-line health care workers are living on food stamps.” He highlighted ongoing complaints about low pay for paramedics, many of whom rely on government assistance.
Novahoff continued, “Instead of being pimped out, Kathy ‘Ho-Ho’ Hochul and Mayor ‘Madam’ Mamdani should consider making sure the heroes who respond to 911 calls and save lives every day can pay rent and buy groceries.”
State Rep. Sam Pirozzolo (R-Staten Island) added that Hochul is “absolutely on board” with the push from Mamdani and the state Democratic Socialist Party to decriminalize sex work. He noted that she is trying to maintain support for her re-election campaign using taxpayer money.
Pirozzolo expressed skepticism about Hochul’s claims that New York is open for business, suggesting that the state’s focus has shifted to less desirable ventures, like the sale of needles and marijuana, rather than addressing issues detrimental to New York.
He also pointed out that sex workers can access free assistance for issues like abortion, sexually transmitted infections, or contraception through other clinics, suggesting that a dedicated medical insurance plan isn’t necessary.
The pilot program will see Callen-Lorde and EHS Inc./Evergreen Health contribute $250,000 annually to ensure that sex workers can access medical care via the Department of Health’s AIDS Institute.
The original agreement lapsed last year; however, the Department of Health indicated in a legal notice that additional evaluation time was required for the program. This notice stated that the vendor secured the ongoing work without competitive bidding due to the impracticalities involved.
Karen Lord, who identifies as a leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare, has voiced her support for the decriminalization of sex work on her website.
The Department of Health has defended the program’s extension, asserting that “all New Yorkers are entitled to quality, accessible health care” and emphasizing that their decisions are driven by the public health and safety needs of New Yorkers.
