Governor Christie has plans to cut your health care benefits.

In his 2018 Budget proposal, the Governor announced savings of $81 million by reducing the health benefits available through the State-run health plans. This move will affect all of you and your families.

The Governor’s plan is to allow the insurance companies (who act on behalf of the State) to pay doctors and hospitals less for your health care. This may save the State money. But who gets stuck with the remaining, unpaid medical bill? You do. If you thought copays and coinsurances were high now, wait until you see how unaffordable they will become in the future.

The Governor claims that these reduced benefits will apply only to elective out-of-network medical care. He claims that you can always save money by choosing an in-network provider, or price shop for a cheaper out-of-network provider.

These are lies.

How can you find an in-network provider, particularly a specialist, if the insurance company does not have them in their narrow networks? The governor does NOT require the insurance companies to maintain adequate networks across specialties. As a result, you may have to travel great distances, even to New York or Philadelphia, just to receive your care from an in-network provider.
What about cheaper out-of-network providers available closer to home? That is an even worse lie. New Jersey is one of the most expensive states in the country to deliver medical care. Even the least expensive specialists must charge enough to pay their malpractice premiums and keep their doors open.

These charges are too high for individuals and families to manage. That is why you buy health insurance.

If the Governor’s proposals go through, insurance companies will be free to pay only a small fraction of those charges, rather than the fair rate they are mandated to pay now. You will have to pay the rest. And the fact is, you cannot afford to. The end result? You will no longer have access to quality health care close to home.

These are health benefits that you have fought hard for. You have sacrificed salary increases and vacation time in order to secure these financial protections. If the Governor has his way, your health benefits will become worthless overnight. A simple injury or illness could bankrupt your family. Nevertheless, you will keep paying the same high insurance premiums you pay now. That will not change.

Voice your opposition to the Governor’s proposal now. Make sure your hard-earned health benefits are preserved. Demand that the State stop protecting the insurance companies’ fees and profits at your expense. Tell the Governor to save money instead by reducing outlandish fees paid to the insurance companies.

Please sign the petition to save your access to care.