Most New Jersey voters feel confident in their understanding of health insurance plans, despite concerns about rising costs and the complexity of the system, according to a recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll conducted in partnership with the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals New Jersey Chapter (NABIP-NJ).
Ashley Koning, assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, said, “New Jersey voters show a notable degree of confidence in navigating their health insurance, but many continue to grapple with a system they view as complicated, costly, and shaped by forces beyond their control. The results point to a public that feels prepared to make choices within the system yet remains concerned about the affordability of care and the extent of the state’s role in shaping available options.”
The poll found that among insured voters, 84% are confident in their understanding of their chosen plan. Of these respondents, 41% reported being “very” confident while 43% felt “somewhat” confident. Additionally, 71% expressed confidence in understanding different health insurance plan options.
Jim Lardiere, president of NABIP-NJ, stated: “This survey underscores the value of the broker in helping New Jerseyans understand their options to enable them in purchasing the health insurance that best suits their families’ needs. Health insurance brokers can be a key element in the process of purchasing insurance, driving costs down by fully educating the consumer and ensuring premium dollars are not being wasted on plans that are generally beyond the needs of the policy holder.”
The survey revealed some demographic differences. Voters aged 18 to 34 were less likely than older adults to feel confident about both their current plan (73%) and available options (56%). Confidence was also lower among those with some college education or less (80%) compared to those with more schooling (88%). Individuals covered through employment-based plans were less likely (71%) to feel confident about available options than those enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid (82%).
Regarding government involvement in private insurance markets, slightly over 70% expressed concern about state influence on rules and regulations affecting plans—37% were “very” concerned and 35% “somewhat” concerned. Younger voters ages 18 to 34 were less likely (56%) than older voters to express concern about government intervention.
When considering healthcare decisions, half of respondents said they give “a great deal” of consideration to costs; another 28% consider costs “somewhat,” while smaller percentages give little or no thought to cost. Cost sensitivity varied across political affiliation: Republicans were less likely (72%) than Democrats (83%) or independents (82%) to factor cost into decisions. Women (84%), nonwhite voters (87%), and those earning under $100,000 annually (84%) were more likely than other groups to prioritize cost considerations.
The poll surveyed 795 registered voters statewide between October 3 and October 17 via live calls and texting. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.6 percentage points.
