New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that the state has distributed $2 billion in bonuses to eligible health care workers.
More than 800,000 health care professionals across New York could benefit from the Health Care Worker Bonus Program, which offers payments of up to $3,000 as a way to attract and expand the health care workforce.
“Health care workers deliver for New Yorkers every day—and that’s why we’re delivering for them,” Hochul expressed in a statement about the program, which started in 2022. “Our substantial investments are putting money back in workers’ pockets and enhancing our ability to provide high-quality care to New Yorkers.”
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The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted health care staffing, with around 1.5 million jobs lost within the initial months of the outbreak, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Health care workers form the backbone of our health system, putting in hard work to provide essential care and services,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “The Health Care Worker Bonus Program is our way of recognizing their relentless commitment to the health of New Yorkers.”
To qualify for the bonus, health care workers needed to hold patient-facing roles and earn an annual salary of $125,000 or less.
“New York faced one of the toughest battles at the pandemic’s onset, relying heavily on both in-state workers and those from elsewhere,” noted McDonald.
The bonuses are calculated based on hours worked during a consecutive six-month period from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2024, with a maximum bonus of $3,000 available.
“This bonus system not only provides generous support to eligible workers but also serves as an incentive to attract and retain more healthcare professionals,” said Beene. “As we move forward, the need for more health care employees remains crucial.”
Additionally, Hochul has greenlighted a $350 million child tax credit initiative for families with low to moderate incomes in New York. Over a million families will qualify for up to $330 per child, with all checks set to be dispatched by the end of August.
The governor also expanded the Empire State Child Credit, now encompassing children under four years old, thereby adding around 600,000 kids to the program each year.