WASHINGTON, DC—Double digit price increases in Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties once again show that Obamacare has failed to live up to the promises made by President Obama and Democratic party leadership, said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04).

     “The massive cost increases for New Jersey residents adds another item to the ever growing list of Obamacare flops,” said Smith. “These increases clearly show that it is time for President Obama to give up his ‘politics first’ attitude and start to work with Congress to find a plan that helps everyday Americans.”

     The release of the marketplace rates for 2017 shows an average of 17.4 percent increase for existing plans in Mercer County, with even higher average increases in Monmouth and Ocean Counties—increases that could be devastating to those most in need. New Jerseyans hoping to find another plan to help lower their costs will be in for more bad news. Both Monmouth and Ocean Counties have lost more than half of their plan options on the marketplace, dropping from 65 to only 24—and Mercer County residents have only 21 to choose from.

     Reports from CNN have indicated that the total number of carriers will drop by 21 percent nationally as insurers flee the Obamacare system; however New Jersey is particularly feeling the pain with the 4^th district seeing their choices drop by 50 percent or more, having just two choices of insurers for 2017.

     The increases are exacerbated by deductibles that average close to $5,500 per family, with some plans having a deductible of more than $14,000 per year.

     “In the 2009 debate over Obamacare, Nancy Pelosi famously said ‘we have to pass the bill so you can find out what’s in it,’” said Smith. “Seven years later, we know that ‘what’s in it’ is page after page of regulations that have done more harm than good to the citizens of New Jersey’s 4^th District.”

     Smith has been a vocal critic of Obamacare, noting the holes in the legislation before it was passed in the House. His statement before the House floor in March of 2010 can be read here.

###