How very disappointing to hear of Assemblyman John Burzichelli’s continued support of Obamacare’s mandate for a Health Care Exchange in New Jersey. First, the Assemblyman asserts that somehow, New Jersey would be able to control their insurance markets under the Exchange, but that is wishful thinking. Any state with an exchange would be put in the position of enforcing federal law and federal regulations, all with no room for the independent judgments the Assemblyman wishes to make on behalf of New Jersey citizens. Further, a state exchange is simply the becoming of a federal functionary, and the problems do not end there either.
A state exchange would increase pressure on that state’s insurance market by providing subsidies for people in the exchange, while those in employer plans would see their employers costs rise, and a distortion of customer and employer decisions at the same time. Governors know this all too well, and those that resist the government’s attempt to force them into the creation of exchanges, are better off than those that succumb to those desires of the federal government. Governor Christie understands this well, but who can trust him to stand firm in his opposition?
Ironically, those states that do not implement exchanges, will have the federal government do it for them. However, there is one not-so-small problem: Congress never authorized the money to build state exchanges. So, who gets left holding the funding bag? Re-think your support, Assemblyman Burzichelli, before it’s too late. This job-killing feature of Obamacare is not worth it, nor is the disservice to your constituents also.
Stephen Atkinson
Mantua, New Jersey
