Community Corner

Report Calls on State to Help Consumers Sort Out Obamacare Options

New Jersey should also supplement federal subsidies with ones of its own to make health insurance more affordable, according to author

By Andrew Kitchenman, NJ Spotlight

Obamacare can be confusing -- especially now that the president has told the states that it's up to them to decide whether to let insurers continue to offer barebones plans that don't meet the standards set by federal health reform.

In fact, just trying to sort out the plans and subsidies offered on healthcare.gov, the federal marketplace, can be a challenge.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The antidote to confusion: information. At least that's one of the conclusions of a new report issued yesterday by New Jersey Policy Perspective, a liberal-leaning think tank.

The report's author, Raymond J. Castro, argues that New Jersey officials should take a more active role guaranteeing that consumers are aware of their insurance options and rights. And that role should not be limited to the online federal marketplace, but should be a comprehensive outreach program.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Read more at NJspotlight.com.

NJ Spotlight is an issue-driven news website that provides critical insight to New Jersey’s communities and businesses. It is non-partisan, independent, policy-centered and community-minded.


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