- United States
- N.J.
- Letter
I’m writing as a New Jersey resident to urge you to explore and advance legislation that would move our state toward a single‑payer healthcare system.
States across the country are looking for ways to reduce administrative waste, stabilize costs, and guarantee universal coverage. Hawaii has been a notable leader in this effort. Recent legislative initiatives there — including Senate Bill 1179 and House Concurrent Resolution 176 — focus on designing a cost‑effective single‑payer model that captures federal funding streams and reduces administrative burdens. These proposals emphasize that a unified system could generate significant savings without reducing the quality of care, largely by streamlining administration and simplifying coverage.
While Hawaii’s system is still in development, their long-standing commitment to broad coverage and coordinated healthcare planning demonstrates how effective statewide approaches can be. Their work shows that a state can take meaningful steps toward universal, simplified coverage that prioritizes people over bureaucracy.
New Jersey faces similar challenges: rising healthcare costs, administrative complexity, and gaps in coverage that leave too many families vulnerable. A single‑payer system could:
• Reduce administrative waste and redirect resources to patient care
• Lower overall healthcare costs for families, employers, and the state
• Guarantee universal coverage for all residents
• Improve health outcomes through prevention and early intervention
• Support small businesses that struggle with the cost of providing insurance
New Jersey has an opportunity to lead. A single‑payer system would offer stability, equity, and long‑term savings while ensuring that every resident can access the care they need.
I respectfully ask that you consider legislation to study, design, and implement a single‑payer healthcare model for New Jersey, drawing on the lessons and momentum from states like Hawaii.