NEW YORK: Gov. Kathy Hochul has extended a taxpayer-funded healthcare pilot program for sex workers, increasing its projected cost to nearly $2.5 million through June 2028.
The New York State Department of Health launched the initiative in 2023 with $1 million in public funding. Newly reviewed state documents show officials have approved an additional $1.5 million to continue the program for four more years.
The initiative provides primary care, sexual health services, behavioral healthcare, and dental treatment for sex workers in New York City, Buffalo, and parts of western New York.
State health officials originally described the project as a pilot program. However, they extended it after determining that more time was needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
Critics Question Program Expansion and Spending
The program has drawn criticism from Republican lawmakers, who argue the state expanded it without legislative approval.
Critics also claim the initiative sends the wrong message by providing taxpayer-funded services specifically for people engaged in prostitution or other forms of sex work.
State Assemblyman Michael Novakhov criticized the program’s funding priorities. He argued that New York should focus on frontline healthcare workers, including emergency medical technicians, who continue to raise concerns about low wages.
Novakhov also accused the Hochul administration of prioritizing political interests over essential public services. He said emergency responders deserve greater financial support before additional taxpayer money goes toward specialized healthcare initiatives.
Lawmakers Allege Political Motives
State Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo also criticized the extension, claiming the governor expanded the pilot to appeal to progressive Democrats who support decriminalizing sex work.
According to Pirozzolo, the administration is attempting to satisfy members of the Democratic Socialists of America and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani ahead of future political campaigns.
He argued that the state continues to promote policies that normalize activities such as marijuana use, needle distribution, and prostitution rather than addressing broader public concerns.
Pirozzolo further contended that individuals seeking reproductive healthcare, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, or birth control already have access to these services through existing public health clinics.
Health Department Extends Contracts Without Competitive Bidding
Under the renewed agreement, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center and Evergreen Health will each receive annual payments of $250,000 through the Department of Health’s AIDS Institute.
The original contracts expired in 2024. However, the Department of Health issued a legal notice in September stating that officials required additional time to evaluate the pilot program before making long-term decisions.
The notice also explained that the state awarded the contract extensions without competitive bidding because officials determined that a new procurement process was not feasible.
The extension ensures healthcare services for eligible participants will continue through June 2028 while state officials complete their evaluation of the program.
