On April 4, 2024, in honor of National Public Health Week, city and state agencies held a citywide day of action in New York City to encourage undocumented New Yorkers age 65 and older to enroll in the newly expanded Medicaid health plan.
Effective January 1, the Medicaid program was expanded to include undocumented seniors who are income eligible in New York State. Previously, coverage for older undocumented residents was limited to coverage for emergency medical visits. To reach undocumented New Yorkers who may qualify, the New York City Mayor's Office of Community Engagement, NYC Care staff and their partners distributed information in multiple languages to areas of the city with large immigrant populations. New Yorkers who meet the criteria can connect with the Office of Public Affairs' GetCoveredNYC program or go directly to the New York City Department of Health website to register. Those already enrolled in Emergency Medicaid will be automatically transferred to this expanded coverage and will have the opportunity to choose a new plan. For more information, visit nyc.gov/ExpandedMedicaid. NYC Health hospitals are committed to reducing barriers to health care by empowering New Yorkers to live the healthiest lives possible. The health system strongly supports coverage for all by expanding Essential Plan eligibility to extend coverage to individuals who are not currently eligible for health insurance due to their immigration status. “Expanding Medicaid to undocumented New Yorkers age 65 and older is a critical step forward toward more equitable public health in our city,” said Adrienne Lever, executive director of the Mayor's Office of Public Affairs. “I am proud of the dedicated efforts of our city, state and community partners to ensure that seniors, regardless of their immigration status, receive the care they deserve.” Through the strategic work of Community Engagement, we are breaking down barriers to health and access to insurance for some of New York's most vulnerable residents.” “Previously, undocumented seniors living in New York were limited to receiving Medicaid only in emergency situations, making it difficult to effectively manage health care for one of our most vulnerable populations,” said Amir Bassiri, New York State Medicaid Director. “This expansion is fundamental to our commitment to addressing health inequities and advancing health equity.” “Undocumented adults are more likely to work in jobs that do not provide health benefits. They have historically faced restrictions on participation in government programs, forcing them to forgo preventive services and screenings and rely on costly emergency room care as their only option,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. James McDonald. “This expansion of Medicaid eligibility for immigrants in New York is the state's recognition of the importance of health care equity, especially for those age 65 and older. This critical step is consistent with the City's ongoing efforts to create a healthy New York for older adults,” said Department on Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortez-Vazquez. “The Department of Aging is committed to supporting the state’s efforts to attract, educate and enroll immigrant seniors to access this unique health coverage.” “As a primary care physician, I am thrilled to support the citywide effort to educate older New Yorkers about Medicaid expansion, providing them with quality, affordable health insurance. Whether someone is managing a chronic illness or getting a routine check-up with a doctor, they will all gain peace of mind knowing that they now have insurance coverage regardless of their income level or immigration status, said Dr. Jonathan Jimenez, MPH , Executive Director of NYC Care at NYC Health+ Hospitals. “I thank our government and community partners, and our network of volunteers, for their commitment to reducing health inequalities and supporting the development of vibrant, healthy communities.” “Health care is every person's right, and in New York we recognize that everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of their immigration status,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Wasan. “I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of these benefits and sign up today because there is no path to healthier, longer lives for ALL New Yorkers without access to healthcare.” Marina Lagunova
Date Added: 04/12/2024 |
Last Updated: 04/12/2024 |
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Silk Road Festival in New York - a triumph of culture and unity For several years now, like many others, I have been looking forward to the Silk Road Festival with particular anticipation. It is organized by a tireless, bright female leader, an outstanding teacher, Alena Badalova, who heads the My Way children's cultural and educational center. This is not just an event - it is a real spiritual holiday that promotes mutual enrichment, spiritual unity and reveals the dazzling palette of cultures of our multinational New York - a beacon of multiculturalism and creativity. The festival reflects the essence of My Way Center's mission - to provide an opportunity for self-expression, creativity, intercultural dialogue - and is a beacon of humanism, respect and cooperation. Despite the serious challenges that preceded the festival, it still took place with triumph. Several months before the event, a building next to the center caught fire, classes were cancelled, and one of the invited groups from California got into a car accident and ended up in the hospital. However, having overcome all the difficulties, the artists took to the stage and amazed the audience with their heartfelt number dedicated to Azerbaijan, causing a storm of applause at the Oceana Theatre. And against all odds, on June 1, 2025, Center My Way organized a grand festival "Silk Road", which became a real ode to the historical and cultural greatness of the ancient trade route that connected East and West, and the route served for centuries for exchange - not only of goods, but also of ideas, art, beliefs, philosophy. An impressive mosaic of national cultures unfolded on the theater stage. Cultural gems from countries such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kalmykia, Buryatia, India, Mongolia, Turkey and others were presented - all those whose history is intertwined with the history of the legendary Silk Road. Showing mutual respect and pride in their heritage, the festival encourages the younger generation to explore the world through the lens of art, history and universal human values. I would like to express special gratitude to the director Alena Badalova and the art director, the famous artist and sculptor Emin Guliyev. Their inexhaustible energy, professionalism and love for children fill this project with life. The creativity and success of the students of Emin Guliyev's art studio have been followed with admiration on social networks for many years. Together with dedicated employees, volunteers and leaders of musical and dance groups, they created a truly magical atmosphere, giving children a chance to perform on the professional stage of the American theater Oceana. I would also like to mention many other leaders of musical groups. These are professional dancers, ballerinas and just beauties, for example, Irina, the head of Irina Dancing Studia and others, from whom it was impossible to take your eyes off. And the way the children performed, there are simply no words! And can you imagine what it is like to bring dozens of child dancers on stage who danced together with professionals? Many children have grown up before my eyes, and I rejoice in their successes as in the victories of my child. I often see the performance of children from the My Way center at various events in the city, and this is always the highlight of the event. And it is not surprising that the efforts of Alena Badalova and the center's staff were recognized with honorary certificates and gratitude from public and political figures: from Assemblymen William Colton, Alec Brooke-Krasny, Senator Stephen Chen, which was presented by the Senator's chief adviser Ari Kagan, on behalf of the Mayor of New York Eric L. Adams, which was presented by the Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Arts and Culture of New York Kendal Henry, and from other government representatives who honored the organizers for their contribution to the development of culture and the education of the younger generation - and, believe me, each certificate is recognition of service to people. Also, the famous lawyer Eva Rakhamimova was awarded an honorary certificate for charitable activities, and it is worth noting that many city events took place thanks to her support. In an interview, Alena Badalova said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the New York City Department of Cultural Afairs in partnership with the City Council, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and New York State Legislature, New York City Mayor Eric L. Adams, The State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, Diana Bagrationi Foundation, Buryad Mongol United Association, Darina Sanzhieva, Law Office of Yeva Rakhamimov and Oceana Theater. It is their generous support and grant that have made this event possible, enabling us to continue this cherished tradition." Marina Lagunova
Anya and I had been friends for 14 years. Since we went to school together. She was at our house, we went to the country together, drank wine in the kitchen and shared the most personal things. And then... my husband left for her. I didn't even understand at first. Anya became strange, distant. And then he said: "We love each other. I'm sorry, Inna." I couldn't breathe. I couldn't speak. I just sat and stared at the wall. My heart wasn't beating. The children asked: "Where is dad?" - and I didn't know what to answer. Lily appeared as a sign. I saw her page by chance. I just clicked. And when she looked at the situation, she said: "This is not love. This is dirty envy and influence. We will take this off. He will come back if you are ready to forgive." I doubted. I was angry. Broken. But I agreed. And you know what? Two weeks later, he was on his knees. He said that he had gone crazy, that he was living someone else's life. He cried, held my hand. I forgave. Yes. Not right away. But I forgave. For the sake of the children. For our sake. And the "friend" was left with nothing. Thank you, Lilia. You are not just a clairvoyant. You are a woman with a huge soul. I thank you with all my heart. Her contacts (+380638055486 - WhatsApp Viaiber; +19297133433
Georgian Culture Day in New York New York City was once again filled with color, music, and the aroma of hospitality. Georgian Culture Day was celebrated with vibrancy, solemnity, and warmth, bringing together government officials, community leaders, and numerous guests. Marina Lagunova
I never thought that I would find myself in a situation where I would need someone's advice on my personal life. I always thought that I could handle it myself. But at some point, it was as if a wall had grown between me and my wife. We didn't understand each other, and quarrels became daily. There was coldness in the house, and emptiness in my soul. Turning to Lilya was, frankly speaking, a spontaneous decision. But, as it turned out, the best one. With her, I began to see things that I had simply not noticed before. I began to hear my wife differently. And most importantly, I began to change myself. Lilya didn't push or impose, but gently and accurately guided me. Today, we have "us" again. And for this, I am grateful to her with all my heart. Her contacts (+380638055486 - WhatsApp Viaiber; +19297133433 - regular communication)
I want to express my deep gratitude to Lilia for her help and compassion. At a time when my strength was waning and I had almost come to terms with the fact that my loved one was gone forever, it was Lilia who helped me believe that things could still change. With her support and guidance, I was able not only to bring my loved one back, but also to rethink my attitude toward myself and our relationship. Thanks to her, we are back together—and now we have a different, more conscious and mature relationship. Lilia, thank you for the sincerity, warmth, and strength you give to people. You don't just help "get people back," you restore their hearts. This is priceless. When life is hard and you don't know how to find a way out, you turn to people with supernatural powers for help! I FOUND SUCH A WITCH!!!! She's VERY POWERFUL AND KNOWS HER WORK!!! I honestly doubted it before calling, but then she started talking to me about my first husband, about my accident too. In general, she said powerful things. But most importantly, she WAS ABLE TO GET MY HUSBAND BACK AND DRIVE AWAY A RIVAL!!!!! EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE HERE and I recommend it to anyone who really needs help!!! Write her number (380638055486, Viber, WhatsApp). +19297133433
