Recently, the Star-Ledger of New Jersey reported on important health insurance issues coming to vote in the Senate. The latest issue with health insurance in New Jersey seeks to grant access to more that 175,000 uninsured people across New Jersey. The new bill will expand the eligibility for the New Jersey FamilyCare program. The bill will give a family of four, access to the plan if they earn less than $42,000 per year. This is an increase of $14,000 from the previous bill. The plan is estimated to cost about $29 million in the first year of coverage. The Democratic Party representing the state seeks to offer access to health insurance for those who cannot afford it. With New Jersey’s sky-high rates, it’s easy to understand how health insurance is unattainable for a family of four with a low level of income.

            Objection comes from many who currently purchase their own New Jersey Health Insurance. Of the 88,000 individuals, they are largely concerned with how the new costs will affect the costs and access of their healthcare. In recent years, it hasn’t been uncommon for health insurers to increase their rates by 20%. This has become an increasingly unbearable cost as yearly salaries are only increasing by about 10%.

            The proposed Bill, if signed, will become effective in 2010 but will be voted on this summer. By then, hopefully we will have some information to understand how this program will be paid for. Until then I will remain skeptical on the success of the plan.