Amidst all the news reports about the government shutdown, there have been a few rays of light lately. I’m talking about the stories of businesses and people in New Jersey who have stepped up to lessen the burden on the workers and companies affected. These good Samaritans run the gamut from restaurants serving meals to furloughed public employees to landlords deferring rent payments until people are back to work.

Their stories remind us that during difficult times we need to band together and support each other…that human needs come first when people are dealing with circumstances beyond their control.

So, it was an easy decision when Governor Murphy and Marlene Caride, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance, made a request to health insurers – to not let this budget impasse jeopardize the health care coverage of anyone whose paycheck depends on the federal government being open for business.

We applaud the Governor and Commissioner Caride for rallying New Jersey’s banking and insurance community to lend a helping hand…and, of course, we agreed.

At Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, we’ve always sought to do our part to help our members during times of crisis or natural disasters. Being there when our members need us most is who we are as an organization. And, as New Jersey’s local health insurer, we’re keenly aware that the people affected are our neighbors, friends and family.

At moments like this, no one should have to choose between paying for health insurance or feeding their family. We’re committed to working with our members to make sure that doesn’t happen.