News from

John Amodeo and Vince Polistina

New Jersey General Assembly, District 2

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Contact:  John Amodeo or Vince Polistina at 609-677-8266

October 8, 2008         

 

 

AMODEO AND POLISTINA PUSH BILL FOR MORE CHOICES IN HEALTH CARE COVERAGE

 

NORTHFIELD – Assemblymen John Amodeo and Vince Polistina today said they will join as co-sponsors to the “New Jersey Healthcare Choice Act’ to give New Jersey families and businesses more options when looking for healthcare insurance. 

            “We can’t live in the 21^st century with 20^th century regulations,”  said Amodeo.  “People should be able to shop for health insurance that suits their needs regardless of geographic boundaries.”

            A-2767 would allow health insurers licensed in other states to provide individual health benefits plans and small employer health benefits plans to New Jersey residents and to employers in New Jersey.  According to studies, the average national cost for a family health plan is $5,799, but in New Jersey the same plan would cost $10,398.  Another study by the National Center for Policy Analysis estimated that the availability of lower cost plans could reduce the number of uninsured by 25%.

            “Government sometimes just needs to get out of the way.  Instead of trying to create one size fits all insurance policy, state government should trust families and business owners to find the appropriate coverage which suits their needs within their budgets,”  said Polistina. 

            “These days consumers are used to shopping around the globe for goods and services,”  said Amodeo.  “If an insurance company in Kentucky is offering health insurance with better coverage at a better price, then a person in Atlantic County, New Jersey should be able to buy it.  The insurance needs of a 25 year old single man are different than the insurance needs of 30 year old, married man with kids.  Each should have the opportunity to buy a policy tailored to their situation.”

            The legislators pointed out that a healthy 25-year-old male could purchase a policy for $960 a year in Kentucky compared to $5,880 in New Jersey. 

            “The current battle between Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania is a perfect example why such a change in the law is necessary.  Right now, families are held hostage through no fault of their own,”  said Polistina.  “There are a number of area families who now have the face the possibility that the doctor, who knows their child’s medical history the best, may no longer treat their child.  We need to replace fear with choice.  This bill would put consumers more in control of their addressing their healthcare needs.”