Governor,
As New Jersey citizens, we are very concerned with Horizon's decision to convert from a non-profit health insurer to a for-profit company.
It's imperative that we slow down and consider the effect this historic decision will have on New Jersey's health care.
- For-profit health insurers exist solely to make a profit and do well for its shareholders.
- Non-profit health insurers are providing services at lower prices and are outperforming their counterparts.
- Non-profits keep downward pressure on all premiums because for-profit health insurers must compete with the lower premiums non-profits are charging.
New Jersey must stop considering short-term fixes to solve the state's fiscal crisis. Before we sell off one of our most valuable state assets and jeopardize an already crippled industry, the public must have a fair chance to respond and review Horizon's application.
We the undersigned, ask that public interest is served and that you mandate a complete assessment of the potential impact of the conversion on New Jersey's health care industry, as well as an independently conducted full and fair-market valuation of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield's assets.
