Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. – the lead Assembly sponsor of legislation to create a New Jersey health benefits exchange program to provide access to affordable, quality health insurance – issued the following statement Thursday on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:
“For the 1.3 million uninsured New Jerseyans, and the tens of millions more across the country who are uninsured or underinsured, this is a tremendous victory.
“As elected officials, the greatest obligation we have to our citizenry is protecting their health and welfare. In the 21st century landscape, this is predicated on access to quality, affordable health care.
“Health care should not be a luxury. No one should have to choose between their health and paying their bills. This landmark legislation will make quality and affordable health care possible for every New Jersey resident.
“With the finality of this decision, it’s time to get back to work on implementing the health insurance exchange component so that it is best suited to meet the unique needs of New Jersey and its 9 million residents. The exchange is the most significant component in ensuring that individuals have access to a health plan they can afford.
“Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has done right by the people. Now it’s time for us to live up to our obligation.”