Health Insurance: What's The Matter With New Jersey?

Maybe it’s time for someone to write “What’s the Matter with New Jersey?” From today’s Opinion Journal Online – Cheaper Health Insurance:

Last week the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a bill that could dramatically reduce the ranks of the uninsured and spur general economic growth--all without costing a dime to the Treasury.

The idea behind the legislation, sponsored by GOP Representative John Shadegg of Arizona, is disarmingly simple: Allow Americans to buy health insurance from vendors in any one of the 50 states.

A 2004 study by eHealthInsurance.com found that a typical insurance policy ($2,000 deductible, 20% co-insurance) for a family of four could be had for as little in as $172 per month in a reasonably regulated locality like Kansas City, Missouri. But in New York that family's only option--managed care--would run $840 per month, and in New Jersey family policies run a whopping $1,200-plus. We bet Democratic Representative Frank Pallone's constituents in New Jersey would be interested in his view that insurance in his state is only "slightly" more expensive than elsewhere.

Isn't this a novel idea? A free market and real competition for medical insurance to lower costs. Compare this free market health insurance solution to the socialist model some advocate for the country and New Jersey in particular.