National Reform
"Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane." — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
National Health Care Reform Bill Passes After Long-fought Fight!
On Sunday evening, March 21, 2010 the U.S. House of Representatives PASSED comprehensive national health care reform by a vote of 219 to 212. For the first time in history, a comprehensive health care bill has passed both Houses of Congress. The bill will give health care to 32 million Americans and save over 30,000 lives per year. And it will regulate the insurance companies so they can no longer deny care for pre-existing conditions, charge you more if you're sick, put limits on your benefits, or increase rates with impunity.
Immediate benefits will include the opportunity to keep adult children on family health insurance policies up to age 26 and relief for seniors who have fallen into the Medicare Prescription Drug "donut hole."
Not one Republican voted for the bill. In New Jersey — only one Democrat voted against the bill: Rep. John Adler (NJ-03).
CALL Toll Free: 1-877-264-4226 to THANK members of Congress who voted YES and express your disappointment to the ones who voted NO.
How NJ's Members Voted:
YES — Representatives Rothman, Pascrell, Sires, Payne, Pallone, Holt and Andrews
NO — Representatives Adler, Garrett, Frelinghuysen, Lance, Smith and LoBiondo
To find out how your Representative voted click here.
What Does the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Mean for New Jersey?
Read the recent analysis by New Jersey Policy Perspective!
- New Jersey has more uninsured people than most states and will receive more federal aid. By 2019 nearly one million New Jerseyans will receive insurance at a cost to the federal government of about $25 billion over ten years.
- Prescription drug coverage will be subsidized to a greater degree by the federal government for more elderly and disabled people in New Jersey. Reform will provide about $57 million in relief for 227,000 Medicare Part D beneficiaries in New Jersey. We will receive over $15 million for over 30,000 PAAD and Senior Gold beneficiaries. All 1.3 million Medicare beneficiaries in New Jersey will benefit from provisions of the new law like no cost sharing for prevention services and free, annual wellness visits.
- Small businesses will benefit. Health reform will provide tax credits this year to most of the 215,000 businesses with fewer than 25 employees to offset the cost of providing health coverage for their employees.
- More adults will be eligible for affordable health coverage. All adults in poverty will become eligible for either Medicaid or other affordable insurance in the Exchange starting in 2014. The federal government will pay all health costs (about $150 million annually) for adults who do not have children and are on General Assistance.
- New Jersey's pharmaceutical companies will benefit. New Jersey has one of the largest concentrations of pharmaceutical companies in the world. Health reform in effect provides them with up to 32 million new insured customers nationwide because health plans will be required to provide prescription drugs.
- The increase in federally funded Medicaid reimbursement rates to New Jersey primary care physicians will be the highest in the nation. Health reform will require Medicaid to pay the same rates as Medicare in 2013 and 2014 to primary care physicians to make this care more accessible. Because New Jersey has the lowest Medicaid payment rate in the nation (37 percent of the Medicare rate) this rate will almost triple and will be funded entirely with federal funds.
- More New Jersey hospitals will benefit. A reduction in the number of uninsured people should result in less demand for state-funded charity care beginning in 2014. Increasing the number of New Jerseyans with health insurance will help reverse hospital distress.
- The new law allows New Jersey to provide better health care and share its cost with the federal government. Given growing health care costs and the associated decline in the number of businesses offering health insurance to their employees, it was only a matter of time before health care reform would have come to New Jersey at a cost borne entirely by the state. National health reform has taken this pressure off the state and will provide a winning situation for all.
To find out how the House Bill will impact YOUR Congressional District click here.
More Resources For:
Consumers
- Five Immediate Consumer Benefits (HCAN).
- Health Care Reform Will Improve Coverage and Secure Quality of Care (Community Catalyst).
- Key Implementation Timeline and Benchmarks (HCAN).
- Talking Points on National Health Care Reform (HCAN).
- How Does Health Reform Work? (Center for American Progress).
- Summary of National Health Care Reform Legislation & Reconciliation Amendment Changes (Community Catalyst).
- Summary of National Health Care Reform Bills (HCAN).
- Summary of the Reconciliation ("Fix-It") Bill (HCAN).
- Summary of National Health Care Reform and Reconciliation Amendment Changes (Community Catalyst).
- What Will the New Health Reform Law Do in the First Year? (Families USA).
- Health Reform Central — the Road to Implementation (Families USA).
Economic Impact
- How Health Reform’s Modernizations will Reduce Health Care Spending by $2 Trillion (Center for American Progress).
- Better Health Care at Lower Costs. (Center for American Progress).
- Health Reform Will Create Up to 4 Million Jobs in the Next Decade (Center for American Progress).
- Health Reform and the Federal Deficit.(Center for American Progress).
- Controlling Health Care Costs — The Critical Element.(Center for American Progress).
Women & Families
- What Health Reform Will do for Women and Families (by Raising Women’s Voices).
- Pros and Cons of Health Reform for Women's Reproductive Health (by Raising Women's Voices).
- Impact of Health Reform on Children and Families (Policy Room).
Students & Young Adults
- Dependent Coverage Expansion: Frequently Asked Questions (the Young Invincibles) — Young adults, age 19 to 29, have the highest uninsured rate of any age group in the United States making up about 30% of the uninsured. Generally, young adults have less access to coverage at work. At the same time, the recession and job loss is getting worse for young people under 30 years. Young voters (under 30) have experienced the largest uptick in job loss since January, with 28% reporting that they personally have lost a job.
Seniors
- Health Reform Impact on Medicare (Medicare Rights Center).
Low-Income People
- Key Medicaid, CHIP, and Low-Income Provisions in the Health Care Reform Package (Georgetown University Health Policy Institute).
Small Businesses
- Small Businesses and the Final Health Reform Package: 5 Need to Know Points (Main Street Alliance).
- Big Benefits for Small Businesses in Health Reform (White House).
- Six Ways Health Reform Will Help Small Businesses (White House).
- Interactive Health Care Calculator for Small Businesses (Center for American Progress).
Small Business Health Care Tax Credit Scenarios
- IRS Eligibility Standards and Resources (IRS).
- 3 Simple Steps (IRS).
Public Statements
- NJ Citizen Action.
- Family Voices NJ.
- Congressman Frank Pallone.
- Congressman Rush Holt Statement.
- Congressman Steven Rothman Statement.
- Congressman Bill Pascrell Statement.
Tell Governor Chris Christie NOT to pursue legal action to block enactment of national health care reform!
Call Governor Christie at 609-292-6000 or CLICK HERE to send an email!
Attorneys general in 14 states have filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of national health reform. Governor Christie is considering pursuing similar anti-health care reform action. The Governor is discussing the matter with Attorney General Paula T. Dow and Health Coummissioner Poonam Alaigh.
There is both legal and policy precedent for national health care reform including the individual mandate requiring people purchase health insurance. An insurance mandate is incorporated in New Jersey's KidsFirst initiative that requires all New Jersey Children have health insurance, a 2008 law that was passed with broad bi-partisan support by the State Legislature.
We OPPOSE any legal, legislative or other action by the Governor to block implementation of this historic legislation.
- NJ For Health Care Open Letter to Governor Christie.
- NJ For Health Care Open Letter to Governor Christie.
- NJ Main Street Alliance Open Letter to Governor Christie.
- NJ For Health Care Press Release.
Additional Resources:
- The Constitutionality of Mandates to Purchase Health Insurance (Georgetown University, O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law).
- Mandatory Health Insurance: Is It Constitutional? (American Constitution Society for Law and Policy).
- Health Care Reform is Constitutional (Politico, by Erwin Chemerinsky).
- Unraveling Reform Would Leave Millions Without Affordable Care (Center for American Progress).
- Quick Wins: Who Will Be Helped Right Away By the New Health Care Reform Law? (Community Catalyst)
News Coverage: "Sen. Robert Menendez Talks Immigration Reform, Health Care And Offshore Drilling With Star-Ledger's Editorial Board" (Star-Ledger — April 1, 2010 VIDEO NEWS SEGMENT), "Menendez Touts Health Care Law At EHMC" (NorthJersey.com — April 1, 2010), "Sen. Menendez Speaks About Health Care Reform" (News 12 — March 29, 2010 VIDEO NEWS SEGMENT), "Vote Over, Vast Divide Remains" (Home News Tribune / MyCentralJersey.com — March 22, 2010), "Most Criticize Health Reform Bill As Bad For Small Business" (NJBIZ — March 22, 2010), "Middle Class In New Jersey Becoming Uninsured Faster Than All Other Groups" (The Record / NorthJersey.com — March 18, 2010).
What Next? Making It Work for New Jersey
A Statewide Health Care Implementation Conference
Thank you for attending the Health Care Implementation Conference on June 8, 2010 and making it a huge success! Special thanks to Community Catalyst, all the panelists, our planning committee, and all the conference participants — your breadth of knowledge, diversity, thoughtful questions, and feedback made this a truly dynamic and substantive event.
Now that we have set the stage for implementation in our state, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get the work done. Please join us in taking the next steps to support implementation by joining our NJ for Health Care Coalition. With your help we can ensure that our state maximizes the benefits available to us through the federal health reform law. Please sign on to the NJ for Health Care coalition to get more involved.
Click here to see all Materials from Conference.
Upcoming Events
Below see our Recent Event Highlights!
National Health Care Legislation
Congress is working to reconcile health care reform bills passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on November 7, 2009 (the Affordable Health Care for America Act) and in the U.S. Senate on December 24, 2009 (the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act).
While we don't know exactly what will end up in the final bill, here's a snapshot of what reform could mean for the Garden State:
- More people with health coverage. Under the Senate bill New Jersey will see 859,000 more people with health care coverage by 2019. Under the House bill the increase would be even higher. (Read the recent report from Families USA).
- Insurance companies play by fair rules. No more denials for pre-existing conditions or dropping coverage because we get sick.
- Health care will be more affordable. 854,000 New Jerseyans with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level ($43,320 for an individual and $88,200 for a family of four) would qualify for subsidies to help them purchase health coverage. There would be caps on everyone's out-of-pocket costs and insurance companies won't be allowed to set limits on how much health care they'll cover for a person each year. (Read the new Affordability Report by NJ For Health Care on how much NJ Families can afford to spend on health care).
- Consumer-friendly insurance products. Nearly 2 million more New Jerseyans would have access to affordable coverage options through a new health insurance exchange. (Read the recent press release from NJ Congressman Frank Pallone).
- Relief for seniors. Lower prescription drug costs for seniors and financial stability and solvency for the Medicare program. (Read the ARA Fact Sheet about how the House bill will impact Seniors).
- Help for small business owners. 107,000 New Jersey small businesses could be helped by a small business tax credit to make premiums more affordable.
- Security and peace of mind for everyone. Many of the 5.6 million New Jerseyans with employer-based insurance would benefit from increased competition in the market place, limitations on premium increases, and more efficient health services.
To Find Out How the House Bill will Impact YOUR Congressional District click here.
NJ For Health Care is preparing a comprehensive analysis comparing the House and Senate bills which will be released shortly. Stay tuned and Sign Up for more information!
More Resources:
- Top 14 Reforms to Take Effect Immediately.
- Summary of the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
- Consumer Protections and Insurance Reforms.
- Controlling Health Care Costs.
- What Health Care Reform Will Mean for You.
- HCAN Public Statement on the House Bill.
- HCAN Public Statement on Senate Bill.
- Paying for Health Care Reform.
- Women's Priorities for the Best Combined Health Reform Bill.
For more information go to: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/MoreInfo.asp?section=52.
Health Care Reform Helps NJ Seniors
NEW! Alliance for Retired Americans Fact Sheet — How the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2009 helps America's Seniors- Get the Facts: Health Care Reform and Medicare, Medicare Rights Center
- Myths and Facts of Health Care Reform, AARP
Raising Women’s Voices
NJ Citizen Action is the State Coordinator for Raising Women's Voices for the Health Care We Need. Raising Women's Voices is a national initiative working to make sure women's voices are heard in the health reform debate and women's concerns are addressed by policymakers developing national and state health reform plans. RWV was founded by the Avery Institute for Social Change, the National Women's Health Network and the MergerWatch Project of Community Catalyst.
Reports on Health Care Reform
Federal Health Reform Provides Critical Long-Term Help to States
On Monday, March 29, 2010 NJ Citizen Action released a new report by the Health Care For America Now Campaign titled: Federal Health Reform Provides Critical Long-Term Help to States, demonstrating how New Jersey will benefit from federal health care reform legislation passed and signed into law in March 2010. The report shows that a total of $900.8 billion in new federal funds will flow to the states from 2010 through 2019, with $473 billion allocated to help families afford private health insurance coverage and $427 billion to supplement state Medicaid programs
New Jersey will receive $28 billion increase in federal funding for Medicaid and private health insurance subsidies between 2014 and 2019. That's $13.5 billion for Medicaid and $12.5 billion for subsidies.
- Full Report.
- Press Release.
- News Coverage: "Proponents Claim New Jersey To Get Big Financial Boost From Health Care Reform" (New Jersey Newsroom — March 29, 2010), "Menendez Outlines Benefits For N.J. Under New Health Care Law" (The Record / NorthJersey.com — March 29, 2010).
The Cost of Failure to Enact Health Reform: 2010 – 2020
This new report shows that the cost of failure to enact national health care reform would be high, especially for middle-class families. Under the worst-case scenario, failure to pass national reform would result in:
- The number of uninsured Americans increasing from 49.4 million in 2010 to 59.7 million in 2015 and 67.6 million in 2020.
- A larger share of the uninsured coming from middle- and higher-income families.
- Premiums becoming increasingly expensive for employers and their workers.
- Offers of coverage falling significantly for workers in small and medium firms.
- Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) enrollment and costs increasing substantially.
- Employers seeing large increases in premium costs.
- Uncompensated care costs more than doubling.
- Health care costs paid directly by families increasing significantly.
Resources
- Full Report.
- NJCAEF's Press Statement.
- Cost of Failure Uninsured Fact Sheet.
- Cost of Failure CHIP Fact Sheet.
- Cost of Failure Employer Fact Sheet.
- Cost of Failure Uncompensated Care Fact Sheet.
NJ Policy Perspective Report — What National Health Reform Means for New Jersey
On February 24, 2010, the NJ Consumer Voices for Coverage (CVC) Leadership Team released a new report by Ray Castro, Senior Policy Analyst at NJ Policy Perspective, analyzing the impact of national health care reform on New Jersey. NJ CVC was joined by Congressman Rush Holt (NJ-12) in explaining the benefits of comprehensive national health reform including expanded coverage, improved quality, and lower health care costs for New Jersey residents.
The Report looks at key provisions of the House and Senate health care bills and President Obama's health reform proposal released on Monday, February 22nd and recommends which elements of each proposal best serve the Garden State.
- Read the Report: "Estimated Impact of Health Reform Bills Passed by the House and Senate on New Jersey."
- Summary of the Report.
- Press Release.
- List of Press Conference Speakers.
- Statement of Eve Weissman, NJ Citizen Action Education Fund.
- Dr. Jeffrey Brenner, MD, Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers.
- Kelly Conklin, NJ Main Street Alliance.
- News Coverage: "Picking The Best Health Care Policy For N.J. Businesses" (NJBIZ — January 28, 2009).
New Report Shows How Much New Jersey Families Can Afford to Spend on Health Care
A new report by the NJ Consumer Voices for Coverage Leadership Team shows how much money New Jersey families can afford to spend on health care. New Jersey Consumer Voices for Coverage launched Making Health Care Affordable for New Jersey: Real Families, Real Stories to educate New Jersey residents, through community-based organizations, about the health reform debate going on around them, and to take a practical look at what families can, or cannot, afford to pay for their health care.
The aim of this project is to aid policymakers in understanding how much real families living in New Jersey can afford to spend on health care, based on real stories and household budgets of people living across the State. The stories and data presented in this report come from 648 families who attended over 40 community-based workshops throughout New Jersey. Their stories present numerous policy implications on the need to develop a reasonable standard of affordability for New Jersey families if health reform is going to succeed in reducing the number of New Jersey's uninsured.
Key Findings
- A majority of families cannot make ends meet and are operating in the red. 52.9% of respondents reported monthly expenses outpacing monthly income resulting in a negative cash flow by month's end.
- Families are delaying needed health care because of high costs. 46.4% of respondents report forgoing needed medical care due to cost or lack of insurance in the past year.
- Health care costs cause financial hardship for families. 13% of families reported having medical debt, the result of unpaid health care bills.
- Uninsured families report delaying care at high rates. 77.0% of families without health insurance report delaying needed care due to cost or lack of insurance in the last year.
- Many with health insurance also cannot afford needed care. 32.1% of insured respondents report delaying needed care due to cost in the past year.
- Those with chronic health conditions are more likely to delay care. 54.0% of those with chronic health conditions report delaying needed care due to cost or lack of insurance compared with 46.4% of total respondents.
Policy Recommendations
- Develop and implement a sliding scale affordability measure based on income to ensure that New Jersey families are not required to pay more for health care than they can afford.
- The affordability scale should provide full subsidies to cover the entire cost of health care for families up to 200% FPL and sliding scale subsides for families at least up to 399% FPL.
- New Jersey must collect more data to determine how much families above 400% FPL can afford to spend on health care.
Resources
- Full Report.
- Press Release.
- One-Page Report Summary.
- News Coverage: "Advocates: Health Care Will Still Elude Many In N.J." (Star-Ledger — December 2, 2009), "Report: New Jersey Families Struggling With Health Care Costs" (New Jersey Newsroom — December 2, 2009), "New Report Shows Health Care Affordability For NJ Families" (NewsBlaze — December 2, 2009), "Survey Claims New Jersey Health Care Costs Prevent Treatment For Many" (Press of Atlantic City — December 1, 2009), "New Report Shows Health Care Costs Cause Financial Hardship For NJ Families" (Radio News Source — December 1, 2009 — AUDIO NEWS).
New Report: The Right Rx for NJ — National Health Care Reform
On October 8, 2009 members of the NJ For Health Care Coalition released a new report by NJ Policy Perspective that shows the impact of the health care bill currently in the US House of Representatives on New Jersey's public health and economy.
The report analyzes the major provisions in "America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009" (HR 3200) and describes how the bill will benefit New Jersey residents including low and middle income families, small businesses, children, adults, seniors, people with disabilities, and the uninsured. It is the first and only comprehensive analysis examining the impact of HR 3200 on New Jerseyans to date. New Jersey Policy Perspective has also broken down the information by county and Congressional District.
- Key Findings.
- Full Report.
- Congressional District and County Breakout Data.
- Speakers.
- Statement of Ray Castro, NJ Policy Perspective.
- Statement of Eve Weissman, NJ Citizen Action Education Fund.
- Statement of Kelly Conklin, NJ Main Street Alliance.
- Statement of Reverend Bruce Davidson, Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry of NJ.
- Press Release.
- News Coverage: "Report 'Prescribes' Public Option To State" (Daily Targum — October 12, 2009), "N.J.'s Public Health, Economy 'Threatened' Without Universal Care, Report Says" (Star-Ledger — October 8, 2009) and "Report: Health Care Reform Bill Would Benefit N.J." (New Jersey Newsroom — October 8, 2009).
Photos from the "The Right Rx for NJ" Press Conference |
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| Ray Castro, Senior Policy Analyst at NJ Policy Perspective and author of the report explains the findings. | Reverend Bruce Davidson, Director of the Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry of NJ. | Kelly Conklin, Small Business Owner in Bloomfield, NJ and Spokesperson for the NJ Main Street Alliance discusses the need to reform health care from a small business perspective. |
Out-Of-Pocket Health Care Costs Could Increase by More than 35 Percent in Every State by 2019
A new report commissioned by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) projects that if national health care reform is not enacted, the cost of failure will be substantial. In every state, the number of uninsured will increase, employer-sponsored insurance coverage will continue to erode, spending on public programs will balloon and out-of-pocket health care costs for individuals and families could increase by more than 35 percent over the next decade. While people at all income levels will be affected, middle-class working families would be hardest hit.
The report shows that within 10 years:
- As many as 1.9 million New Jersey residents could be uninsured - up from 1.4 million this year.
- The average New Jersey resident would see his/her health care spending rise by as much as 67.8%.
- New Jersey employers would see premiums continue to skyrocket - increasing up to 101.6%.
- New Jersey government would see Medicaid/CHIP spending rise by as much as 105.7%.
- The amount of uncompensated care in New Jersey would increase by as much as 138.6%.
- Full Report.
- Press Release.
- News Coverage: "Report Says Failure To Reform Health Care Will Be Costly" (Patriot — October 1, 2009)
"Costly Coverage: Premiums Outpace Paychecks in NJ" — Families USA
Over the past decade, the cost of health insurance has skyrocketed, while working families' wages have merely inched upward. As the recession lingers on, this situation continues to worsen. Reduced hours and job losses have left millions of families struggling to afford their share of premiums and millions more with no coverage at all. The combination of stagnant wages and rising health care costs is placing a growing strain on family budgets, and many families have reached a breaking point. Quite simply, America's families are being priced out of health coverage.
In addition to higher premiums, working families now face higher out-of-pocket health care costs, such as higher deductibles, copayments, and costs for services that are not covered by their insurance plans. As a result, health care costs are consuming an ever-larger portion of family budgets. It is clear why many families feel worse off economically than they did a decade ago.
This report, which is based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, examines what these trends mean for New Jersey's working families.
"The Clock Is Ticking: More Americans Losing Health Coverage" — Famillies USA
This report provides state-by-state projections of the number of people who will lose coverage between January 2008 and the end of the 111th Congress in December 2010. According to the report, an estimated 199,110 New Jerseyans will lose their health coverage during this time period.
- 1,280 New Jerseyans are losing their health coverage every week, as the steady rise of health care costs drives more and more working families out of the market.
- They are part of a national trend that will cost an average of 2.3 million Americans their health coverage each year between 2008 and 2010.
- Full Report.
- Press Release.
- News Coverage: "Health Care Group Says 200K More N.J. Residents In Danger Of Becoming Uninsured By 2010" (Star-Ledger — July 15, 2009).
"Unequal Lives: Health Care Discrimination Harms Communities of Color in New Jersey" — Health Care For America Now
On July 15, 2009, the NJ Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Campaign released a new report titled "Unequal Lives: Health Care Discrimination Harms Communities of Color in New Jersey."
The report shows how communities of color are adversely affected by our nation's broken health care system and emphasized the need for comprehensive health care reform that corrects this inequality and injustice.
- Full Report.
- List of Speakers.
- Statement of James Woodson, NJ Citizen Action.
- Statement of Selina Winchester, Planned Parenthood.
- Statement of Ray Castro, NJ Policy Perspective.
- News Coverage: "Minorities Would Benefit From Health Care Reform" (New Jersey Newsroom — July 15, 2009, and "Health Care Discrimination Harms Communities Of Color In N.J." (WBAI — July 15, 2009 — AUDIO NEWS INTERVIEW with NJCA Health Care Organizer James Woodson).
"Two Proposals to Pay for Health Care Reform Without Hurting Struggling Families in New Jersey" — Citizens for Tax Justice
On July 7, 2009, NJ Citizen Action, the NJ Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Campaign, and Citizens for Tax Justice released a new report titled "Two Proposals to Pay for Health Care Reform Without Hurting Struggling Families in New Jersey," which lays out options for paying for quality, affordable health care reform that includes a public health insurance option.
The report, prepared by Citizens for Tax Justice, discusses reforming the Medicare tax and limiting itemized deductions for the wealthiest Americans. The report includes comprehensive, New Jersey-specific information on the limited impact of these proposals on the New Jersey population.
New Report: "NJ Health-Plan Premiums Soar As Insurers Face Less Competition"
On June 19, 2009, NJ Citizen Action, BlueWaveNJ, Communication Workers of America Local 1032, and the NJ Health Care for America Now (HCAN) released a new report entitled "New Jersey Health-Plan Premiums Soar As Insurers Face Less Competition" (full text here).
The report demonstrates how the lack of competition in New Jerseys health insurance market is causing skyrocketing premiums for both patients and employers, and showing the need for a strong national public health insurance option. The report was authored by the Institute for Americas Future.
Americans at Risk: One in Three Uninsured
The Uninsured: A Closer Look
State-Specific Report by Families USA
In March 2009, Families USA released a new report, Americans at Risk: One in Three Uninsured, designed to provide a comprehensive picture of how many Americans were directly affected by the lack of health coverage in 2007–2008.
On April 7, 2009 Families USA released a NJ State-Specific Report showing that:
- More than 4 out of 5 of NJ's uninsured (81%) were in working families.
- More than 3 out of 5 (60.2%) of individuals and families in NJ with incomes below twice the poverty level ($42,400/yr for a family of 4 in 2008) went without health insurance at some point in 2007–2008.
- Almost one-quarter (23.6%) of individuals and families in NJ with incomes at or above twice the poverty level went without health insurance at some point in 2007–2008.
- Hispanics/Latinos and African Americans were much more likely to be uninsured than whites in NJ: 58.1% of Hispanics/Latinos and 39.1% of African Americans went without health insurance in 2007-2008, compared to 22.7% of whites.
- Full Report.
- Press Release.
- News Coverage: "Report Finds Health Insurance Gap In N.J." (Star-Ledger — April 7, 2009), "An Unhealthy Crisis" (The Times of Trenton — April 7, 2009), "Report: More NJ Residents Lacking Health Insurance" (Forbes — April 7, 2009).
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Report "At the Brink: Trends in America's Uninsured 1994–2007"
This report looks at what has happened since the last significant reform effort ended in 1994 without any comprehensive congressional action. At the Brink: Trends in America's Uninsured 1994-2007 chronicles state-by-state health coverage trends. The report finds that over the last 15 years, nearly every state has seen increased numbers of uninsured residents, greater costs for workers while their incomes are flat, and significant erosion of private coverage.
- Full Report.
- NJ Citizen Action Education Fund Public Statement (March 25, 2009).
"Next Step: Health Care, to Fix NJ's Economy We Need to Fix Health Care Now" — Health Care For America Now
"Next Step: Health Care" shows we cannot solve New Jersey's economic and fiscal crisis without National Health Care Reform in 2009.
The report lays out exactly how skyrocketing health care costs are busting New Jersey's state and local government budgets, crippling businesses, and making it hard for families to afford the health care they need to make ends meet.
"Next Step: Health Care" was released on February 23, 2009, by NJ Citizen Action, NJ Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Campaign, Rutgers AAUP-AFT, the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, New Jersey SEIU and Health Professionals and Allied Employees.
"Without Reform, Health Costs Will Double" — NJ PIRG
According to a report released on January 28, 2009 by the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group (NJPIRG), without action from Congress, premiums and deductibles for residents of New Jersey with employer provided insurance will nearly double by 2016.
Recent Event Highlights
Thank You Senator Robert Menendez Event
On Monday, March 29, 2010 health care advocates from across the state gathered at Englewood Hospital to thank US Senator Robert Menendez for his leadership in the winning fight for comprehensive national health care reform. Senator Menendez is a proven health reform champion for New Jersey and has demonstrated his commitment to quality, affordable health care for all time and time again. Hard work millions of New Jerseyans can look forward to the security of good health care at a price we can afford. Tens of thousands of residents will no longer have to worry about being denied care or going bankrupt trying to pay for the care we need.
- NJ Citizen Action, NJ For Health Care, and HCAN Press Release.
- Senator Menendez's Office Press Release.
- Statement of Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director of NJ Citizen Action.
- News Coverage: "Sen. Robert Menendez Talks Immigration Reform, Health Care And Offshore Drilling With Star-Ledger's Editorial Board" (Star-Ledger — April 1, 2010 VIDEO NEWS SEGMENT), "Menendez Touts Health Care Law At EHMC" (NorthJersey.com — April 1, 2010), "Sen. Menendez Speaks About Health Care Reform" (News 12 — March 29, 2010 VIDEO NEWS SEGMENT),"Menendez Outlines Benefits For N.J. Under New Health Care Law" (The Record / NorthJersey.com — March 29, 2010).
Thank You Congressman Frank Pallone Event
On Friday, March 26, 2010 nearly 100 health care supporters and advocates from across the State gathered at the Chandler Health Center in New Brunswick to thank Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-06) for being a leader in the fight for comprehensive national health care reform. Congressman Pallone was greeted with a standing ovation upon arriving home from DC after passing historic health reform though Congress that will expand health coverage to 32 million people, including over 859,000 New Jerseyans, stop insurance company abuses, strengthen Medicaid and Medicare, close the donut hole for seniors and give all of us the security and peace of mind that if you lose your job, you will still have affordable health care.
- Press Release.
- Statement of Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, Executive Director of NJ Citizen Action.
- Speakers List.
- Photo Gallery.
- News Coverage: "Rep. Pallone Leads Cheers At Gathering To Celebrate Health-Care Reforms" (Home News Tribune / MyCentralJersey.com — March 26, 2010), "Home From Health Care Passage, Pallone Says He's Not Interested In Being Governor" (PolitickerNJ — March 26, 2010).
DC Action Against Health Insurance Industry
On March 9, 2010, NJ Citizen Action joined Health Care for America Now (HCAN) and partners across the state and country to bring thousands of people to Washington DC to protest the health insurance industry's ongoing campaign to protect their massive profits by blocking comprehensive national health care reform.
We amassed outside the Ritz Carlton Hotel as the health insurance industry held a conference inside. We blocked the streets with a massive crowd holding signs and crime tape and chanting 'hey hey ho ho, insurance companies got to go!' We generated major state and national news coverage and sent a clear message to Congress: listen to the people, not the insurances companies! Thank you to everyone who joined us, spread the word, and helped make this historic day a major success!
- Flyer.
- Press Release.
- Photo Gallery.
- News Coverage:"Healthcare Reform Rally in D.C." (WBAI Evening News — March 9, 2010 AUDIO NEWS INTERVIEW), "Health Care Protests in D.C." (ABC News — March 9, 2010 VIDEO NEWS SEGMENT), "The People Arrest The Insurance Companies" (YouTube / Health Care For America Now — March 9, 2010 VIDEO NEWS SEGMENT), "N.J. Labor Groups Join Health Care Reform Rally In D.C." (The Record / NorthJersey.com — March 9, 2010).
Health Care National Day of Action!
NJ Citizen Action and Partners Rally for Health Reform!
On February 17, 2010, NJ Citizen Action and NJ For Health Care organized 21 actions at local businesses, college campuses, health centers, labor unions, and social service agencies across the State including Rallies at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair and on Main Street in Highland Park. Hundreds of NJ voters made calls and sent emails to Congress — demanding that they pass real reform now!
- List of Events.
- Flyer and Talking Points.
- Press Release.
- Photo Gallery.
- News Coverage: "NJ Voters Rally For Health Care Reform" (NJToday.net — February 18, 2010), "Highland Park, Montclair Rallies Held For Health Care Reform" (Star-Ledger — February 17, 2010), "Healthcare Reform Day of Action" (WBAI Evening News — February 17, 2010 AUDIO NEWS INTERVIEW), "N.J. Activists To Rally Statewide For Health Care Reform" (New Jersey Newsroom — February 16, 2010), "Angry At The High Cost Of Health Insurance Premiums? Reform Advocates Say: 'Take To The Streets'" (Star-Ledger — February 16, 2010).
This Holiday Season What We Really Need is... HEALTH REFORM!
On December 18, 2009, Health Care supporters from New Jersey and New York joined together, at the Exchange Place Pier in Jersey City, NJ, to show that we're all in this together!
New Jersey and New York Members of Congress were invited, and there was holiday music, and a chance for everyone to share their holiday health reform wish.
"Time to Deliver" Event
On October 20, 2009 NJ Citizen Action, Democracia Ahora, the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR)/SEIU, the NJ Main Street Alliance, and the NJ HCAN Campaign delivered over 600 petition signatures and handwritten letters to the Marlton office of Rep. John Adler (NJ-3) to demonstrate the widespread support among his constituents for real health care reform with the choice of a national public health insurance option and to urge him to deliver by supporting HR 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.
Photos from the "Time to Deliver" Event |
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| A Rep. Adler staffer accepts the over 600 petition signatures and handwritten letters delivered by members of the NJ HCAN Campaign and NJ Main Street Alliance. | Members of the NJ HCAN Campaign deliver over 600 petition signatures and handwritten letters to Rep. Adler's office urging him to deliver on health care reform and vote YES on HR 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. | From left to right: NJCA-HCAN organizer James Woodson; CIR/SEIU organizer Victor Rosado; Democracia Ahora NJ Coordinator Fernando Trevino-Martinez; NJCA-HCAN organizer Leo Torrey; and CIR/SEIU organizer Cliff Freid. | ||
"We're Counting on You" Rally
On October 15, 2009, NJ Citizen Action, NJ Main Street Alliance, and the NJ HCAN Campaign participated in a National Day of Action coordinated by MoveOn.org to thank Senators who support real health care reform and call out those who don't.
Here in New Jersey, despite bad weather, supporters of the public option gathered in front of One Gateway Center in Newark to thank NJ Senators Menendez and Lautenberg for their continued support of quality, affordable health care for all with the choice of a national public health insurance option.
"Big Insurance: Sick Of It" Rally at Horizon BCBSNJ Offices
On September 22, 2009, NJ Citizen Action, the NJ Health Care For America Now Campaign, and MoveOn.org participated in a National Day of Action targeting private health insurance industry bad practices by holding a press conference and rally outside of the Corporate Offices of Horizon BlueCross BlueShield NJ in Newark, NJ.
Protestors highlighted the need for real health care reform with the choice of a national public health insurance option and demanded that health insurance companies, like Horizon BlueCross BlueShield, agree to "stop denying our care!"
- Photo Gallery.
- List of Speakers.
- Press Release.
- Open Letter to Horizon President and CEO William Marino
- Statement of Leo Torrey, NJCA Organizer.
- Health Care Horror Story by Lauren Agoratus.
- News Coverage: "Healthcare Reform National Day of Action" (WBAI Evening News — September 21, 2009 AUDIO NEWS INTERVIEW).
- Video Coverage: iReport News and AOL Video.
Rutgers Students, NJ Health Care Advocates Hold "Let's Get It Done" Rally
On September 10, 2009, the NJ Health Care For America Now (HCAN) Campaign, NJ Citizen Action, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of NJ, Rutgers AAUP-AFT, Radigals, RU-Choice, RU-NAACP, the American Medical Students Association (AMSA), and students from across Rutgers University—New Brunswick held a rally to generate student support for health care reform with real affordability for middle class families and the choice of a national public health insurance option. We sent a message to Members of Congress: New Jersey's Students support quality, affordable health care for all in 2009.
- Photo Gallery.
- Media Advisory.
- Statement of James Woodson, NJCA Central Jersey Organizer.
- List of Speakers.
- News Coverage: "Health Care Divisions Grow Sharper Around N.J." (The Record / NorthJersey.com — September 11, 2009), "Groups Advocate For Health Care Reform" (Daily Targum — September 10, 2009), "Rutgers Students Rally To Support Health Care Reform" (Star-Ledger — September 10, 20099 VIDEO NEWS SEGMENT)
Health Care Supporters Fill Rep. Pascrell's (NJ-08) Health Care Town Hall
On September 3, 2009, the NJ Health Care For America Now (HCAN) Campaign, NJ Citizen Action, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of NJ, SEIU NJ State Council, BlueWave NJ, the NJ Main Street Alliance, and hundreds of grassroots activists and volunteers from across the State, crowded into Montclair State University's Memorial Auditorium for Congressman Bill Pascrell's (NJ-08) Town Hall forum about national health care reform. Over 900 people filled the room. A majority of the crowd wore Health Care for America Now stickers and brought hand-made signs.
- Photo Gallery.
- Press Release.
- News Coverage: "Welcome To The (Health Reform Debate) Madhouse" (Baristanet — September 4, 2009), "Pascrell Stands By Public Healthcare Option" (PolitickerNJ — September 3, 2009), and "U.S. Rep. Pascrell's Healthcare Town Hall Draws Heated Crowd Reactions" (Star-Ledger — September 3, 2009).
Health Care Reform Candlelight Vigil a Huge Success!
Over 150 central NJ residents came together for a candlelight vigil in Highland Park, NJ on September 2, 2009. Participants shared personal health care stories and called on Congress to pass real reform, guaranteeing quality, affordable health care for all, including the choice of a public health insurance option.
- Photo Gallery.
- Statement by Eve Weissman, Health Care Campaign Coordinator.
- News Coverage: "Supporters Of Health-Insurance Reform Rally In Highland Park" (MyCentralJersey.com — September 2, 2009) and "Health Care Reform Vigil Draws Support For Public Plan Option" (Daily Targum — September 3, 2009).
NJ Senator Robert Menendez Calls for Health Care Reform
On September 1, 2009, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez was joined by former insurance industry executive Wendell Potter, NJ Citizen Action, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and New Jersey families for a Press Conference at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ highlighting the urgent need for health care reform.
- Photo Gallery.
- Press Release.
- News Coverage: "U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Commited To Health Care Insurance Reform, Dispels Misinformation, Highlights Need Through Patients" (PolitickerNJ — September 2, 2009)
Rally at the Beach in Belmar: Canvass for National Health Reform
On August 23, 2009, Health Care For America Now (HCAN), NJ Citizen Action, Monmouth for Change, Grassroots4Change, South Jersey NOW—Alice Paul Chapter, the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, and over 100 NJ health care advocates gathered at the Beach in Belmar to rally for quality, affordable heath care for all as a part of HCAN National Canvass Day!
HCAN's "No Recess for Health Care" Canvass Day is one of hundreds of events taking place nationwide over the Congressional recess in support of comprehensive health care reform.
Telephone Press Conference with Rep. Pallone (NJ-06)
On August 6, 2009, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) Chairman of the Health Subcommittee on the Energy and Commerce Committee and Mandy Spears, Health Policy Advisor to Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. (NJ-8) joined members of the NJ Health Care For America Now Campaign and NJ Main Street Alliance in a tele-press conference to explain how America's Affordable Health Choices Act (HR 3200) will help New Jersey families, seniors, small businesses, and those without health insurance.
- Press Release.
- List of Speakers.
- Statement of Eve Weissman, Health Care Campaign Coordinator, NJ Citizen Action.
- News Coverage: New Jersey Newsroom and American Medical Students Association (AMSA).
Washington D.C. Rally and Lobby Day
On June 25, 2009 nearly 1,000 people boarded buses across NJ for an action-packed day in Washington D.C.
10,000 people from 44 states joined together for a Rally at Upper Senate Park followed by a joint NJ—NY—MD Town Hall.
The message to Congress was loud and clear: Pass Quality, Affordable Health Care for All in 2009 with a Public Health Insurance Plan!
- Video and Photo Gallery.
- News Coverage: "Senators Claim $1 Trillion Health Bill In Reach" (Associated Press — June 26, 2009), "Falco Urges Health Care Overhaul At Capitol Rally" (Associated Press — June 26, 2009), "Big Capitol Hill Rally For Health Care" (Politico — June 25, 2009), "Specter: Schumer Has It Right On The Public Option" (Talking Points Memo — June 25, 2009), "Health Care Advocates Rally On Capitol Hill" (The Wall Street Journal — June 25, 2009).
"Day of Action for Health Care Reform" in Montclair a Success!
On May 30, 2009, the NJ Health Care for America Now Coalition, NJ Citizen Action, BlueWave NJ and the NJ Main Street Alliance joined together for a Health Care Day of Action in Montclair, NJ.
People from throughout NJ came together to learn how to talk to their local neighborhoods about health care reform, and how to write letters to Members of Congress urging them to pass quality, affordable health care for all. There was also a press conference calling for national health care reform that will work for each of us and our families, our neighbors and the business community.
"The Beltway Inside Out" Blog from HCAN's Richard Kirsch
The Beltway Inside Out — #1 — May 4, 2009 (A Campaign Strategy Blog from HCAN's National Campaign Manager, Richard Kirsch).
"Health Care Town Hall" A Major Success!
On April 14, 2009 NJ residents from across the State packed the Unitarian Universalist Church in Montclair, NJ for a successful Town Hall Meeting on National Health Care Reform.
Congressman Frank Pallone (NJ-6), Chairman of the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Richard Kirsch, National Campaign Manager of the Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Campaign, David McCann, Executive Director of SEIU New Jersey State Council, Kelly Conklin, a small business owner and spokesperson for the NJ Main Street Alliance, Manel Silva, MD, MPH, Director of the NY Chapter of the National Physicians Alliance, and Sy Larson, State President of AARP-NJ spoke at the event sponsored by Health Care for America Now and NJ Citizen Action.
Small business owners, workers, consumers and veterans shared personal stories of the struggles they face in obtaining good quality, affordable health insurance for themselves, their families and in some cases, their employees.
- Video and Photo Gallery.
- Press Release.
- News Coverage of the Event: April 16 and April 30, 2009.
"Bridge to Health Care" Rally A Major Success!
On Saturday, April 4, 2009 over 500 health care activists held rallies in Camden, NJ and Philadelphia, PA followed by a march to the center of the Ben Franklin Bridge connecting Camden and Philadelphia!
- Video and Photo Gallery (more pictures at Flickr & Picasa).
- News Coverage: Fox Philly News, WHYY, The City Paper, the Courier News, and News Dev Site.
HCAN Launch Press Conference
On October 16, 2008 in East Brunswick, NJ Citizen Action, 1199 SEIU Health Care Workers East, the NJ Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministries, the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Middlesex County Monday Morning Network and the NJ Region of the Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring held a Press Conference for Congressman Rush Holt publicly signing the Health Care For America Now (HCAN) Congressional Sign-On Statement.
- Read the Press Release
- Statement of Eve Weissman, Health Care Campaign Coordinator for NJ Citizen Action
- Statement of Martin Schwartz, Director of the NJ Region of the Workmen's Circle/Arbeter Ring
- View Photos and a Photo Gallery.
Health Care for America Now (HCAN)
Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is the largest national grassroots campaign organizing millions of Americans to win quality, affordable health care for all in 2009. We are grounded in organizations that can mobilize people at work, at home, in their neighborhoods, and online.
Partners include ACORN, USAction, MoveOn, Planned Parenthood, Small Business Majority, UFCW, National Physicians Alliance, National Women's Law Center, SEIU, American Medical Student Association, AFSCME, and Latinos for National Health Insurance.
Join NJ HCAN on Facebook!
View New Jersey HCAN partners.
View National HCAN partners.
New Jersey Citizen Action coordinates the NJ Field Operation of Health Care for America Now. The HCAN Campaign launched on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 in Trenton, NJ and in 52 other cities across the country, including 37 state capitals. Watch great footage of New Jersey's HCAN Launch on YouTube and BlueJersey.com. View the Press Release, see the list of speakers, and read more great press coverage of the launch event.
- Read HCAN One-Sheet.
- Read HCAN Statement of Common Purpose.
- Read HCAN Congressional Sign-On.
- See Which NJ Policymakers Have Signed on to HCAN.
- JOIN! NJ HCAN!! — online sign-on option.
More Resources
TAKE ACTION! Find Out Where Your Representative Stands on Health Care!
Quality affordable health care for all
-or- left on your own with the insurance companies???
Click here or dial 1-888-436-8427 to make a TOLL-FREE call to your Member of Congress now!
For more information go to healthcareforamericanow.org or contact us at: info@njforhealthcare.org.
Congressman Conyers Joins the HCAN Campaign!
As Congressman John Conyers (D-Michigan), sponsor of single-payer universal health care bill H.R. 676, announced on September 17, 2008: "I am proud to join HCAN''s broad progressive campaign to raise awareness about the need for true universal health care reform. The HCAN coalition and I are united by our belief that the current non-system of health care run by profit hungry insurance companies is unsustainable and inhumane. It will take a monumental effort to defeat the entrenched special interests that benefit from the status quo...." Click here to read the full article.
Why We Need a Public Health Insurance Option in National Health Care Reform
- Health Care for America, By Jacob S. Hacker, Ph.D.
- Health Care for America, By Jacob S. Hacker, Ph.D.QUICK FACTS.
- "The Case For Public Plan Choice In National Health Reform: Key To Cost Control And Quality Coverage" By Jacob S. Hacker, Ph.D.
- "HEALTHY COMPETITION: How to Structure Public Health Insurance Plan Choice to Ensure Risk-Sharing, Cost Control, and Quality Improvement" By Jacob S. Hacker, Ph.D., UC Berkeley Department of Political Science and UC Berkeley School of Law.
- "Why a Public Insurance Plan is Essential for Health Reform", EPI Policy Memorandum.
- "The Cost and Coverage Impacts of a Public Plan: Alternative Design Options" Prepared By John Sheils & Randy Haught (The Lewin Group — April 6, 2009).
- "Competitive Health Care: A Public Health Insurance Plan that Delivers Market Discipline", Center for American Progress.
Single-Payer and HR 676
In 2003, U.S. Congressman John Conyers (D-Michigan) introduced HR 676, the United States National Health Insurance Act. Under HR 676, Medicare would be extended and improved so that all individuals residing in the United States would receive high quality and affordable health care services.
Everyone would receive all medically necessary services by the physicians of their choice, with no restrictions on what providers they could visit. If implemented, the United States National Health Insurance Act would cover primary care, dental, mental health, prescription drugs, and long term care. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
The Physician Payments Sunshine Act
The Physician Payments Sunshine Act (S.301), introduced by Senators Kohl (D-WI) and Grassley (R-IA), would bring much needed transparency to the financial relationships that exist between drug and medical device companies and the medical profession by requiring all pharmaceutical, medical device, biotech companies and their subsidiaries to disclose all payments to physicians after reaching a $100 aggregate into a public online database. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
The Passing of Senator Ted Kennedy
We are deeply saddened by the news of Senator Ted Kennedy's passing after an 18-month battle with brain cancer. Senator Kennedy spent his life championing universal health care and promoting social, racial, and economic justice for all.
As we join the nation in mourning the passing of Senator Kennedy, for whom our mission — winning a guarantee of good health care for all — was his life's work, we dedicate ourselves in the next few weeks to realizing the vision, passion, and hopes of this great American, firmly in the knowledge that enacting health care reform will rightly be seen as Ted Kennedy's legacy.
Senator Kennedy's death is a tremendous loss to the progressive movement for social and economic justice. So, we must now re-commit ourselves to the work of achieving the thing that mattered most to him: quality, affordable health care for every single American. As Senator Kennedy said, "...the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
In honor of Senator Kennedy, we offer one of his last written pieces entitled "The Cause of My Life" which highlights his passion for working towards health care for all. Here is a powerful video of Senator Kennedy speaking about the need for quality, affordable health care for all.
In The News
***Please note that no lobbying activities are paid for by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation or the New Jersey Consumer Voices for Coverage Coalition. All legislative and/or C4 activities are paid for by the New Jersey Citizen Action Education Fund's allies and partners New Jersey Citizen Action and the Health Care for America Now (HCAN) Campaign.***