Letters
Resident warns against dangers of MSAs

Insurance has developed as a means of protecting the individual against a catastrophe too large to overcome personally. By pooling resources, the group protects the individual, and all in the group are “supposedly” safe. The Pennsylvania Dutch are famous for accomplishing this by banding together to help each other. But, for most of us, insurance companies are our protection. Now, these companies, in the health benefits business, are developing plans to charge groups based on benefit usage. The plans I am referring to include medical savings plans (MSAs).

These plans — first introduced in 1995 — had not gathered momentum in the past, due to retirement group opposition, such as NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees). But they are now entering group plans such as that of the American Postal Workers Union and the Government Employees Health Benefit Plans. The name changes, such as “health reimbursement arrangements” and “customer-driven or patient-directed options, and new selling points, such as no employee contributions to the premium, and rewards of carryover cash balances plus extra coverage, try to make them into new ideas. But they are still MSAs, and as such are the insurers’ attempt to avoid their responsibility to protect the entire group.

An MSA is a policy in which the premium pays for a high-deductible catastrophic plan and a savings account. The savings account pays for medical benefits. If it runs out, you pay until the catastrophic plan kicks in. It is being pushed as a less expensive health plan, in which you can actually get money back if you don’t use up all your savings account. But actually, it does not give the protection present plans do. If your medical bills exceed your account, you will pay thousands out of pocket before catastrophic benefits apply. The idea is to lower benefit payments by scaring you into not seeking medical advice until you are in dire need.

These plans are especially dangerous to seniors, since elders do not have the years to build up an account. If young applicants choose these options, it will leave the rest in a higher-risk group for whom the insurers can increase the premiums. This is exactly what they want: to separate the high-risk group.

I strongly recommend that anyone above 50 years old write their legislators about not allowing MSAs into health plans. I also recommend that younger subscribers not choose these options if they cannot cover a large medical bill that happens too early in their lives.

Richard C. Oehling

NARFE Chapter 1533

Hazlet

Hazlet Commission thanks holiday dinner supporters

The Recreation Commission would like to extend our appreciation to all who helped putting our third annual Thanksgiving dinner together Nov. 23. We could not have had such a wonderful “dinner” without the donations from Commerce Bank, Dearborn Farms, Carousel Bakery, ShopRite, Pathmark, Provident Bank, Sovereign Bank, the Hazlet municipal and court employees, and Reaching Everyone in Need Everyday (R.E.I.N.E.). All leftover foods were distributed to families with special needs.

We would like to thank the West Keansburg Fire Company who, by offering the use of its facility, made this event so comfortable for our guests and for our “chefs” who were able to work in such a spacious area. To our “team” from the Hazlet Rotary Club, Commerce Bank, and individual volunteers who worked wonderfully together setting up, in the kitchen, and so much more — we do hope we can call upon you again next year.

Thank you also to the Brownies and the Girl, Boy and Cub Scouts who helped in setting up, serving and cleaning up. Their “holiday entertainment” was enjoyed by all. The delicious pies made by Girl Scout Troop No. 1727, Aberdeen/Matawan, were a big hit, and baked by the girls themselves. We apologize to any volunteers we may have missed mentioning, but please accept our heartwarming thanks for all your help.

Most of all, “thanks” to all our guests for helping make our Thanksgiving holiday a really meaningful one by “giving” and allowing us to be part of your extended family.

Walter Szczuplak

chairman

Hazlet Recreation Commission

‘Gifts that make families stronger are priceless’

Holiday gifts that make families stronger are priceless. You can show your thoughtfulness before the big holiday by offering to watch children so parents can shop, or help children make a gift for their parents. A weekend of child care so young parents can rekindle the flame that made them a family would be a great gift. Even an hour of privacy can be rejuvenating. Simple, down-to-earth information on parenting, discipline and child development can help parents know they’re doing a great job. Examples and free materials can be found at http://www.preventchildabusenj.org/parents_informational_brochures.

The gift of your time would be welcomed by the many excellent nonprofit organizations in your community. Offer your business skills to a board of directors, plan a little fundraising event for a worthy cause, or volunteer to serve a meal at a local shelter. This year, let the spirit of giving send you to the hearts of the families of your community. For more information and additional ideas, call Prevent Child Abuse–NJ — Healthy Families–NJ at (800) 244-5373.

Joel Krinsky

president, board of directors

Prevent Child Abuse–NJ

New Brunswick