| The cost of health care premiums in New Jersey rose nearly five times faster than wages this decade, creating a growing financial burden for both workers and employers, according to a report released by a health care consumer group. Families USA, a Washington-based nonprofit, found that premiums in New Jersey rose 71 percent while earnings increased just 15 percent between 2000 and 2007. New Jersey ranked 28th among states on the rate of growth in premiums compared to earnings. The rising cost of healthcare is not new news to small businesses here in the Garden State. According to the 2005 Health Benefits Survey conducted by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), the average cost of employee health coverage soared by 11 percent in 2004, forcing many small companies to drop health coverage. In this half-hour program, the panel explores the many factors that play a role in this trend, and possible ways for businesses to cut down on costs.
Heather Howard |
Jeffrey Scheininger |
Joe Torella |
Eva Turbiner |
Guests:
Heather Howard – Commissioner of the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services.
Jeffrey Scheininger – The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Health Care Coalition Chair, and President of Flexline, a small manufacturing company.
Joe Torella – An insurance broker and specialist who is Vice President of Business Development for Savoy Associates.
Eva Turbiner – President and CEO of the Zufall Health Center in Dover, New Jersey.
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