Washington, D.C. – Today, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) endorsed A2767, the New Jersey Healthcare Choice Act, that has been introduced by Assemblyman Jay Webber.

“On behalf of the more than 34,000 New Jersey members and supporters of CCAGW, I am pleased to support A2767,” declared Tom Schatz, president of CCAGW.  “This bill will provide lower prices and better products by opening up the healthcare market to competition for New Jersey residents.  This legislation is a state version of Rep. John Shadegg’s (R-Ariz.) federal bill, which would empower consumers to pick and purchase affordable health insurance plans from across the country that best meets their needs.”

The New Jersey state legislature may soon vote on two health insurance bills that have been introduced to reduce the number of uninsured in the state.  One is Assemblyman Webber’s plan.  The other, the so-called New Jersey Health Care Reform Act, will create an individual mandate requiring residents to purchase a health insurance plan.  It also establishes a state-sponsored plan for low-income individuals and families whose income is too high to participate in Medicaid. 

“Massachusetts implemented a plan similar to the Health Care Reform Act, forcing citizens to purchase health insurance, and costs have risen significantly.  Assemblyman Webber’s proposal is a better way to help the uninsured.  It will enable New Jersey residents to either continue to purchase an expensive health policy in New Jersey, or shop around for a comparative, but much less costly plan in another state.  It is a great idea whose time has come,” stated Schatz. 

“Taxpayers should understand that New Jersey already has one of the most expensive health care markets in the nation.  New Jersey citizens pay almost three times as much for the same health care coverage as citizens in neighboring states.  Politicians are directly responsible for the 1.2 million uninsured residents in the state.  By micromanaging health insurance with mandates such as community rating and guarantee issue, the cost of health insurance has been driven sky-high to the point where it has become unaffordable for many businesses and individuals,” concluded Schatz.

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.