AFP-NJ has developed and presented a comprehensive health care survey to a number of key Governor Christie appointments. These include the governor’s picks to head the Departments of Health & Senior Services, Human Services, and Children and Family Services. Key legislators have also been notified of our effort.

All of these nominees will be in a position that gives them tremendous influence and authority over health care decisions. With the stakes so high, it is vitally important that we understand the views of the people Governor Christie is entrusting to these high level positions.

Americans for Prosperity will present the results of the questionnaire as soon as they are available.

Here is our entire 13 question survey:

Americans for Prosperity Health Care Survey

The U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives have passed health care legislation and are now negotiating to arrive at a final bill. Generally speaking, would you say you favor or oppose the health care legislation under consideration in Congress?

Favor 
Oppose 


One of the components of health care reform that was included in the House bill but not the Senate bill was a “public option”. The public option would permit the government to offer its own health insurance plan that would compete with plans from private insurers. As part of the effort to reform our health care system, do you feel a “public option” should be included?

Yes 
No 


States across the country are passing “Health Care Freedom Amendments” to create a state law protection to guarantee:

1. Americans have the right to spend their own money to obtain legal health care services;
2. Americans have the right not to participate in any health care system, of any type.

Do believe New Jersey should establish protections for these rights?

Yes 
No 


The House bill raised the Medicaid eligibility threshold to 150 percent of the federal poverty level, while the Senate bill raised it to 133 percent. Both versions will increase the number of residents in New Jersey eligible for Medicaid, which is substantially funded by taxpayers. Do you support expanding Medicaid?

Yes 
No 


“Comparative Effectiveness Research” has been proposed as a means for government to determine the most cost effective treatments for patients’ conditions. Do you support the use of this research to guide treatment decisions?

Yes 
No 


Health savings accounts, or HSAs, are another reform some have proposed for our health care system. HSAs allow consumers to save pre-tax dollars for both current and future medical expenses in an account owned by the individual. They are often paired with “High Deductible Health Plans” to provide affordable catastrophic coverage. Do you feel that expanding HSAs should be a part of any health care reform package?

Yes 
No 


An amendment to the legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, known as the Stupak Amendment, included specific language prohibiting the use of federal funds “to pay for any abortion or to cover any part of the costs of any health plan that includes coverage of abortion" except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the life of the mother. Do you agree or disagree with the language of the Stupak Amendment that government funding of abortions, as outlined, should be prohibited?

Agree 
Disagree 


Both the Senate and House legislation include government-forced insurance provisions that require individuals to purchase health insurance. Failure to comply could result in a fine of $750 fine or up to 2.5% of one’s income. Do you favor or oppose government, state or federal, forcing individuals to buy health insurance?

Favor 
Oppose 


Similarly, the Senate and House legislation require companies to provide insurance or pay a penalty. The House bill would levy a penalty on companies with a payroll of more than $500,000 or pay a penalty of up to 8 percent of their payroll. The Senate bill would require companies with more than 50 employees to pay a fee of up to $750 per worker if any of its employees rely on government subsidies to purchase coverage. Do you favor or oppose government, state or federal, forcing employers to provide health insurance?

Favor 
Oppose 


NJ FamilyCare is a federal and state funded health insurance program created to help New Jersey's uninsured children and certain low-income parents and guardians to have affordable health coverage. Currently, the program covers children in families with incomes up to 350% of the poverty level and adults with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Given the current coverage levels, would you support the expansion the state’s FamilyCare program?

Yes 
No 


In order to address escalating health care costs, do you believe medical malpractice reform, or tort reform, that would put limits on damages awarded in lawsuits, should be pursued?

Yes 
No 


There has been concern regarding ambulatory care facilities competing with the major hospitals and taking business from the hospitals. Do you favor regulations limiting the ability of these centers to take business?

Yes 
No 


New Jersey law mandates that every health insurance plan in the state include coverage of 45 specific benefits, forcing many New Jerseyans to buy more expensive plans than they need or want. The state’s Individual Health Coverage Plan limits choices in the individual market to five standardized plans. Guaranteed issue and community ratings regulations have contributed to some of the highest premiums in the country. New Jersey also has guaranteed issue and community rating. Do you support reducing these regulations in order to encourage more competition, similar to what happened in the automobile insurance industry following Governor McGreevey’s elimination of many auto insurance regulations?

Yes 
No 


Do you support legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Jay Webber currently pending in the state legislature (bill A1364) that would give NJ residents more choices by allowing them to purchase health insurance across state lines?

Yes 
No 