Councilmembers,

I'm writing to urge you to support Resolution 57-21 highlighting the need for a federal health insurance program and larger healthcare reforms that would help address many of the Township's challenges in ways that only the Federal Government can. You would be joining the County Commissioners and other municipalities in supporting this common sense and responsible health policy.

We have heard for years that increases in the BOE and Township budgets will continue, even growing larger over time, due in part to higher healthcare costs for both current employees and retirees. Note I say budgets not taxes. I have supported and will continue to support tax increases when they allow for more equity in the services the Township provides. But health insurance premiums are not that. They largely just get funneled into huge salaries and executive bonuses in both health care and health insurance for profit companies, while the patients are forced to jump through hoops and in some cases literally beg for care. NJ just allowed Horizon to restructure into a more "market friendly" entity, while allowing them to skip out on the required payments typically associated with such a restructuring. It's getting worse, not better.

We've heard the back and forth over whether the state plan would or would not save money, would or would not provide the same coverage, and what role a broker commission plays in those expenses. But the Administration has also noted in recent negotiations that insuring future cohorts of retirees won't be as important, even with relatively young retirees who won't qualify for Medicare currently, because they believe the only path forward includes universal health coverage. Even from a revenue side, less uninsured patients means the Fire Department would recoup more funds for ambulance transports. That funding could be used to ensure better fire and medical coverage for all residents, at no cost to taxpayers.

But that's all from the Township side. Township residents stand to benefit as well. Better access to preventative health care is a huge equity issue. Many families in West Orange can't afford to get sick, but also can't afford wellness visits and preventative testing that would allow early intervention. Mental Health is another critical service that more residents would have access to if everyone was eligible for Medicare. Gov. Murphy's budget includes funding to ensure all children have healthcare coverage in NJ. But why shouldn't that be true nationally and for all residents, not just children? And why should there be a cliff for West Orange residents who age out of the state coverage?

I ask you to support this resolution on behalf of all the West Orange residents who suffer under the current healthcare system. Whether that be lack of coverage, lack of access, or lack of security in knowing they and their families will lead healthy lives.

I'm happy to discuss this further with any of you.

Thanks.