The Medical Society of the State of New York on Monday urged lawmakers to restore funding for a program that supports a medical malpractice insurance program.

The push from the doctors' group comes as lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo this week are expected to put the finishing touches on the state budget.

At issue are cuts made to the Excess Medical Malpractice Insurance Program, which the group fears could add tens of thousands of dollars to the insurance premiums.

The pandemic has made life more complicated for physicians as some patients have dropped routine visits.

"Given the significant drop in patient visits and revenue, these cost impositions would come at the worst possible time," said Medical Society President Bonnie Litvack. “We deeply appreciate that both the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate propose to restore the funding to this essential program in their respective one-House Budgets. And we are grateful that New York reportedly received sufficient funds in the recent federal stimulus package to restore proposed cuts.

"Yet somehow physicians are still facing the prospect of this devastating cut and imposition of these enormous new costs. It makes no sense whatsoever."

The budget is due to pass by Wednesday.