Bhimani and Draeger Call on Legislature to Defend Healthcare Protections

MORRISTOWN — With the future of our critical healthcare protections at the federal level uncertain at best, Dr. Lisa Bhimani and Darcy Draeger today called on the State Legislature to act immediately to defend those with pre-existing conditions and to lower healthcare costs in New Jersey.

“Soaring healthcare premiums and prescription drug costs are major contributors to the affordability crisis that’s plaguing our state,” said Bhimani. “As a doctor, I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to protect coverage for those living with pre-existing conditions. No family should have to choose between getting the care they need and putting food on the table, that’s why New Jersey needs to take the lead and defend these essential healthcare protections.”

The statement of support follows the introduction of several bills, including measures to:

• Protect coverage for those with pre-existing conditions
• Ensure plans cover essential health benefits, inducing hospitalization, maternity care and prescription drugs
• Allow dependents to stay on their care-giver’s plans until 26 years of age
• And establish a state-based healthcare exchange with expanded enrollment periods.

Bhimani and Draeger strongly support these measures, and any others that would stabilize insurance markets and increase access to quality, affordable healthcare.

“I lost my sister to a healthcare emergency after she had been kicked off her plan for becoming pregnant–a pre-existing condition at the time. We can’t let that happen in our state again,” said Draeger. “This isn’t about politics, it’s about doing what’s right for the people of New Jersey.”

It’s great to see bipartisan support for measures that will lower healthcare costs and protect New Jersey families. Unfortunately if Bucco’s extensive record is any indication, he’ll be a no vote for nearly all of these. Bucco voted against the individual mandate and reinsurance program that together reduced the price of insurance on the individual market by more than 9% in 2019.

“Over the last six years Bucco has received more than $22,000 from pharmaceutical and health insurance companies. That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that he’s consistently voted against expanding access to insurance and lowering healthcare costs,” said Daniel Fleiss, Bhimani and Draeger Campaign Manager. “Bucco and his team are what’s wrong with politics today–typical politicians who put special interests ahead of the needs of hard-working New Jersey families.”

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