Peggy Sheng, Chief Operating Officer of CAIPA (Coalition of Asian-American Independent Practice Association) and Executive Director of CAIPA Foundation Inc., proudly joined New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025 State of the State address in Albany, New York. The event showcased transformative initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, equity, and affordability across the state.
Governor Hochul outlined several groundbreaking healthcare policies that align strongly with CAIPA and CAIPA Foundation’s mission to serve and support diverse communities. Key highlights include:
• Expanding Mental Health Services: This includes ongoing investment in Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to help parents and school staff support young people struggling with mental health and substance use issues. Also, proposals to establish school-based mental health clinics, increase psychiatric beds, and enhance services for individuals with urgent mental health needs.
• Improving Healthcare Affordability: Elimination of co-pays for insulin under state-regulated insurance plans, tackling medical debt, and ensuring fairness in financial services related to healthcare.
• Combating Maternal and Infant Mortality: A comprehensive six-point plan to expand prenatal care, eliminate out-of-pocket costs for pregnancy-related benefits under certain health plans, and address disparities in maternal health outcomes.
• 20-Hour Paid Prenatal Leave: Beginning January 1, 2025, New York State will become the first in the nation to offer 20 hours of paid prenatal leave for pregnant employees in private companies, ensuring they can access critical medical care without compromising their employment or income.
Following the address, Peggy Sheng expressed her appreciation for Governor Hochul’s leadership in advancing healthcare policies. “Governor Hochul’s focuses on addressing critical healthcare challenges is truly inspiring. Her vision aligns closely with CAIPA and CAIPA Foundation’s mission to advance equitable healthcare for all New Yorkers, especially for those from low-income and immigrant communities. We look forward to working alongside the Governor’s administration to achieve these goals and create a meaningful impact in our communities,” said Sheng.
About CAIPA
CAIPA (Chinese American Independent Practice Association) has long been at the forefront of healthcare innovation, representing over 1,300 healthcare providers who deliver culturally competent care to approximately 500,000 patient visits annually. As one of the largest independent practice associations in the Northeast, CAIPA is proud to be a leader in advancing health equity and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
About CAIPA Foundation Inc.
CAIPA Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization extends its commitment to community health by offering educational workshops, health screenings, and case management services to empower underserved populations and improve overall well-being.
For more information about CAIPA MSO, visit CAIPA website and CAIPA Foundation Inc., visit CAIPA Foundation website.
