Ready for a health insurance rate shock? A new poll found that three-quarters of New Jersey residents say they are worried about the cost of health care services and unexpected medical bills. More than 6 in 10 are worried about their monthly health insurance premiums and prescription drug costs. These concerns are leading New Jersey businesses larger and small to find ways to lower the price of health care.
“The sentiments of Garden State residents mirror national trends reflected in a recent Kaiser Family Foundation study,” shared Linda Schwimmer, president of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, in a recent interview. “Research shows that about half of insured adults with employer-provided insurance rate their coverage as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ regarding monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Schwimmer blames a “double whammy” effect. Low unemployment leads to higher premiums, especially small businesses – some see double-digit increase year over year. Another concern, employee costs – before pre-tax allowances for health insurance – are increasing.
What can small businesses do?
“The answer depends on the employer. Large companies.” Said Schwimmer.
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There’s a clear disconnect. While there are no easy solutions, New Jersey residents will continue to feel the burden of high health care costs for the foreseeable future.
What actions are New Jersey state officials taking to mitigate the impact of rising healthcare costs on residents, and how effective have these actions been?
## Health Insurance Worries Plague New Jersey Residents
**Interviewer:** Linda Schwimmer, president of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, joins us today to discuss the growing anxiety surrounding healthcare costs in New Jersey. A recent poll revealed alarming figures – three-quarters of residents worry about the cost of healthcare services and unexpected medical bills. What’s driving these concerns?
**Linda Schwimmer:** The poll reflects a very real and palpable fear among New Jerseyans about affordable access to healthcare.
We’re seeing a perfect storm of factors—rising healthcare costs, stagnant wages, and increasing deductibles and premiums. [It’s not just a New Jersey phenomenon either; national trends back this up.]([[1](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/health-insurance/how-much-does-health-insurance-cost/)]).
**Interviewer:** More than six in ten residents are specifically worried about their monthly health insurance premiums and prescription drug costs. How are these worries impacting New Jersey residents?
**Linda Schwimmer:** These anxieties are forcing New Jerseyans to make difficult choices. Some are delaying necessary medical care, others are skipping medications, and many are facing financial hardship trying to keep up with rising healthcare costs. It’s a crisis that demands attention.
**Interviewer:** What steps are being taken to address this issue?
**Linda Schwimmer:**
We’re seeing a groundswell of action from both the public and private sectors. Businesses, both large and small, are looking for innovative ways to control healthcare costs for their employees. And advocacy groups like ours are pushing for policy changes that will make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all New Jerseyans.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Linda Schwimmer, for shedding light on this important issue. We’ll continue to follow developments and advocate for solutions to this healthcare affordability crisis.