Healthcare and Older Adults

Edafe Okporo speaking passionately at a rally to protect retirees' health care. He stands at a podium in front of the DC37 union headquarters in downtown Manhattan, surrounded by supporters holding signs advocating for healthcare rights.

NYC older adults and public service retirees deserve affordable, accessible, and reliable health care—not fear and uncertainty.

Edafe Okporo’s platform centers on expanding access to health services, protecting retirees' healthcare, and ensuring New Yorkers receive equitable care, especially in light of climate risks and public health challenges. He recognizes the importance of addressing the city’s growing mental health crisis and advocates for comprehensive mental health services as part of his vision for a healthier and more supportive New York City.

  • Over the past five years, New York City has been trying to move public service retirees onto a cost-cutting Medicare Advantage plan. Nearly one in five older New Yorkers lives in poverty, and cutting their access to healthcare–especially for those who served our city for decades–is unethical. Edafe will co-sponsor Intro-1096-2024, which would prevent the city from diminishing retirees’ benefits once and for all. Edafe will work with union leaders to ensure that future pay increases are not predicated on cuts to healthcare. 

  • One in five New Yorkers are 65 or older–but NYC Aging’s budget only represents 0.5% of the city’s budget. Moreover, NYC Aging is facing an $80 million shortfall in 2026 when federal stimulus funding expires. 

    New York needs to drastically increase its investment in the Department for the Aging, increasing pay for caseworkers and addressing food insecurity; as many as 50% of older adults receiving food from Citymeals on Wheels still face food insecurity. As a city councilmember, Edafe would support Intro 0770-2024 that would provide 365 days per year home-delivered meals and Intro 0237-2024 that would provide grab-and-go meals for older adults.