What Gov. Christie Can Teach Us About the NJ Health Insurance Exchange
With all eyes on the fiscal cliff matter that was before our federal government, not much is being said these days about the status of the Affordable Health Care Act from the Obama Administration.
The Health Insurance Exchange May Adversely Affect the Finances in New Jersey
It has been only a few short weeks since Gov. Christie vetoed the idea of having a health insurance exchange in the state of New Jersey versus having the federal government take on that duty. Gov. Christie has made it widely known that he feels if New Jersey enacted a health insurance exchange, it may adversely affect the finances in our state. The health insurance exchange is meant to be a less expensive alternative to buying health insurance from a standard insurance company, however, all the provisions of how to set up an exchange have not yet been outlined by our federal government. So, as it stands today, only 20 states have agreed to fund and begin a health insurance exchange.
Governor Christie has been quoted as saying, "I will not ask New Jerseyans to commit today to a state-based exchange when the federal government cannot tell us what it will cost, how that cost compares to other options, and how much control they will give the states over this option."
Health Insurance Plans and Coverage Are Too Complicated for One-Stop Shopping
It is also a safe assumption that by enacting a health insurance exchange, the intention will be to eliminate New Jersey insurance brokers from marketing these plans. The New Jersey state legislature as well as US Sen. Robert Menendez feel that an exchange could be one-stop shopping for people or businesses seeking health insurance, allowing consumers to compare the benefits and costs of participating plans.
As a 30-year insurance broker, I agree that I have a vested interest in the future of health insurance in the state of New Jersey. Like other businesses, I pay a huge amount of money every year to maintain a group health insurance policy for my employees. I also happen to know there is no way possible a state or federal government will be able to completely describe all the plans and insurance coverage the way they are now proposing.
I applaud Gov. Christie for not allowing this exchange to start in New Jersey without having all those questions answered on how this exchange will be fully funded and how it will be organized.
For more Affordable Health Care Act updates, check out our health insurance blog. You might also be interested in:
Abby Normal
8:14 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
It is a shame that Christie has decided that the federal gov't will set up the exchange and any say that state may have said in the process is relinquished. It's also shameful that Christie will not expand medicade so that the poorest and neediest of our citizenry can be covered and 90% covered by the federal gov't; this includes seniors, veterans, and out of work families who cannot afford COBRA payments. There are very few people who can afford COBRA payments. In any case, in cowtowning to the party line to keep his GOP street cred, Christie will sacrifice the people in this state. Politicians will do what they will do to get reelected. Perhaps he should really show strength and take the bull by the horns and implement on his own terms, that shows real leadership. How about he regulates the insurance companies with his commissioner of insurance like his commissioner of education does in schools and really put through meaningful insurance reforms because, as the saying goes, the status-quo isn't working. And maybe, by cutting out middle men, we can start to realize some savings. Now that may lead to raising our almost 10% unemployment rate, but it will show leadership and not cowardice.
Peter Goesinya
9:34 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
How much money do you stand to lose Richard?
Peter Goesinya
9:39 am on Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Universal Healthcare take the profits out of ppl being sick
Richard how much is the commission you receive from the Lacey BOE
Richard is against something he doesnt know about but will cut his commissions
seems about right
Ralph Pinto
11:54 am on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
It would appear that Richard here has a vested interest in getting his commission and doesnt care if it would be a better cheaper option