Ideas for a new New York
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The coronavirus revealed the cracks in New York s foundation. Here are the big ideas that could remake New York – and make sure this never happens again.
Experts, advocates and lawmakers on the ambitious policies that could remake New York after the pandemic.
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“Never let a crisis go to waste.” The maxim – of uncertain origin – is often proclaimed when discussing what the world will look like after the coronavirus pandemic. But this “new normal” we’ve been hearing so much about: Is that just a world without handshakes, or will it mean something more dramatic?
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When the deadly spread of COVID-19 became apparent in New York City jails, the city began identifying some high-risk inmates to release. Ricardo Ferguson was one of them. 34 years old at the time, he suffered from serious heart problems and had already experienced multiple heart attacks. So for his health and safety, Ferguson was released from Rikers at the beginning of April.
But upon reentry into the community, Ferguson was unable to get the critical heart medication he needed. Although Correctional Health Services provided him with a prescription, his Medicaid stopped covering him for outpatient treatment while in jail, so he had no insurance to pay for it. Without any money to pay out of pocket, the pharmacist could not fill his prescription. He was too afraid to go to an emergency room during the pandemic. In mid-June, Ferguson was in the hospital due to his heart problems, where he finally got his medication.