The state Assembly is holding the second of six statewide public hearings on legislation to establish New York Health, a universal single-payer health coverage plan to replace insurance company coverage.

Assembly Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried will take testimony on the bill which would provide comprehensive, universal health coverage for every New Yorker.

The Monday morning hearing in Rochester will focus on the effects and costs of the current health coverage system on patients, health care providers, employers, labor and taxpayers, as well as how the single-payer system would work.

The committee also will review a proposal to fund New York Health through broad-based taxes and the elimination of the local share of Medicaid, which would become New York Health.

Other hearings are scheduled in Buffalo, Manhattan, Mineola, and Albany.

(AP)