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An editorial is presented which highlights the alarming increase in inflation rates, particularly in New Jersey, and the detrimental impact it has on businesses and families. The author calls for the repeal of Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports as a solution to alleviate the burden of rising costs and combat inflation.

Unions representing state and local service, communications and law-enforcement workers filled a courtyard outside the statehouse complex, chanting, "Governor Murphy, hear our call, affordable health care's right for all" and "they gouged us too much before, we won't take it any more." (Bloomberg) -- New Jersey public employees rallied in the state capital Tuesday, demanding that officials delay a contentious vote on increases in workers' health-care premiums of more than 20% for next year. [Extracted from the article]

The refund request was over the state's claims that Horizon had failed to deliver a money-saving care navigation program. "Our cost-trend targets are included in the state contract and backed by performance guarantees", he said in an email, adding that Horizon met the target for 2020 and expects to meet the target when results are complete for 2021. (Bloomberg) -- Republican lawmakers in New Jersey called Thursday for a special committee to investigate sharp increases in health-care premiums for state workers. [Extracted from the article]

The article cites the difficulties facing New Jersey businesses in meeting double-digit increases in health insurance premiums and their concern over the effect of the health care reform legislation on health care inflation in the U.S. Joe Olivo of Perfect Printing claimed switching to a new plan failed to lower premiums for his employees. He added that pay increases are compromised due to premium increases. Also noted is the cost benefit of conversion of claims to digital. INSETS: Nursing high premiums;Wellness programs keep J&J fit.

The article reports on the plan of the administration of New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to reduce the state's health insurance premiums in 2007. Corzine is said to be interested in a plan similar to the one adopted in 2006 in Massachusetts which requires all state residents to purchase health insurance and subsidizes those who cannot afford it. Such a program could cost up to $2 billion. State employers paid an average of $8,776 per worker for health insurance in 2006 according to a survey.

The article presents findings of a study on the attractiveness of the state of New Jersey as a place to run a business. Findings show that many businesses do not find the state friendly and expect its economy to worsen. Respondents complained about high health insurance premiums, increasing government spending and steep property taxes. Among the respondents, 62 percent said the quality of the work force in New Jersey is better than elsewhere.

Reports on the effects of the increasing costs of insurance premiums charged by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey on business owners and their employees. Profit margin of the insurer as of 2005; Issues arising from the intention of Assembly leaders to compensate from the company's surplus; Factors considered in the pricing of insurance premiums. INSET: The Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Story.

The article mentions the number of low- and middle-income New Jersey residents who will become eligible in 2014 for health insurance premium tax credits under the U.S. Affordable Health Care Act, according to a report from the nonprofit advocacy organization Families USA.

The article discusses the results of a survey conducted in early February 2008 by Compdata Surveys regarding health care insurance costs. The survey reveals that 50% of New Jersey employers paid between $150 and $349 monthly per employee if they pay a flat dollar portion of their employees' health insurance premiums. Individual New Jersey employees pay between $25 and $74 for their monthly premium while those with family coverage pay more than $250.

The article reports on the opposition of business advocates to a mental health bill that would further increase health insurance premiums in New Jersey. The bill would require insurance companies to offer the same level of coverage for treatment of mental health problems and drug abuse as they do for any other medical condition. Concerns over the possible impact of the bill on employers are cited.

The article presents several news briefs in New Jersey as of November 27, 2006. New Jersey employers spent 6.8 percent more for health coverage for their workers in 2006 than in 2005. A-2512, a bill in Trenton that would require health insurers in the state to cover treatment for alcoholism and other substance-use disorders is being opposed by business advocates as it will increase health insurance premiums. Bus entries will be expanded in the Lincoln Tunnel interchange of the New Jersey Turnpike.

Focuses on the high rate of health insurance premiums in New Jersey. Effect of mergers and acquisitions on insurance premium according to Jim Foglio of insurance company Fotek; Provision of the Health Care Choice Act sponsored by U.S. Representative John Shadegg; Insurance policies for dependents according to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

Comments on the impact of high cost of medical malpractice insurance premiums in the U.S. on medical professionals in New Jersey. Physicians who decided to left the medical profession because of high cost of medical malpractice insurance premiums; Actions taken by New Jersey lawmakers to reduce medical malpractice insurance premiums; Reforms involving medical malpractice cases and insurance premiums.