New York City Councilwoman Gale Brewer is calling on the city to provide free dental care forĀ illegal immigrants, stating that she has already spent between $8,000 and $10,000 of her personal funds on such services.
During a budget hearing on May 23, Brewer pressed officials from the cityāsĀ Department of HealthĀ about efforts to address the healthcare needs of migrants, emphasizing the significant dental issues many face.
āThey have a lot of health needs. Forget the dental! Iām already out $8,000-$10,000 on the dental,ā Brewer said, demanding answers on who was responsible for overseeing care for these individuals.
Brewer, who earns $148,500 annually as a city council member, told theĀ New York PostĀ she has covered procedures such as cavity fillings and root canals for migrants, many of whom are young.
At 73 years old, Brewer noted that helping those in need is not new to her. She previously fostered 35 children with her husband, author Cal Snyder, and said she has always focused on assisting young people.
In the same hearing, Brewer urged Acting Health Commissioner Michelle Morse to do more to inform migrants about available health services, including dental care, through city programs, according to theĀ New York Post.
She highlighted that many migrants who drive e-bikes have access to city-funded insurance but are unaware of how to use it properly for their healthcare needs.
Brewer stated that dental services are difficult to obtain even for American citizens, let alone for illegal immigrants, and that she personally knows many asylum seekers and supports them.
She described many of the migrants as āyoung guysā who are uncertain about what healthcare services they are eligible to receive from the city.
Commissioner Morse responded that her department would collaborate with New York Cityās hospital system to expand outreach about the āNYC Careā program, which offers free healthcare to eligible migrants.
Critics, however, argue that Brewer is prioritizing migrants over her own constituents. Maria Danzilo, an activist on the Upper West Side, said the councilwoman is overlooking the needs of local residents.
Danzilo criticized Brewer for focusing on migrantsā dental issues while many New Yorkers still lack access to adequate healthcare.
Under city regulations, both public and private hospitals must treat emergency patients regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Migrants seeking asylum may also qualify for Medicaid.
Additionally, city policy ensures free healthcare for minors, seniors, and pregnant women, regardless of their immigration status, which includes dental services in some cases.
The Health Department did not comment on whether Brewer could have directed migrants to existing services instead of paying out-of-pocket for dental care.
This incident follows a previous budget hearing in March, where Brewer criticized the Department of Correction over food served at Rikers Island and called for inmates to receive āfarm-to-tableā meals.
Brewerās advocacy on migrant healthcare and other budget topics has drawn attention for its passionate and, at times, unconventionalapproach within City Council proceedings.
