Weitzman saved Island taxpayers over $100 million, has plan for additional savings
(Long Island, NY) At a time when rising health care costs are straining public sector budgets, former Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman has called for competitive bidding in the selection of health insurance providers through the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). The Weitzman plan would save Nassau County taxpayers millions of dollars through reduced municipal health care premiums. NYSHIP provides health insurance for all county and most local government employees in Nassau County. Competitive bidding would not only result in savings for county government, but also for local school districts, towns, villages, and special districts.
NYSHIP has not bid out its primary contract for health care and hospital services in decades. While Empire Blue Cross and United Health Care are quality health care providers, competition will demonstrate that there are savings to be achieved. When New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced plans to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for the city’s health insurance, the result of the move was the halting of a planned rate increase. A one year zero rate increase saved New York City $363 million in the first year alone. Similarly, NYSHIP would likely be able to save substantial sums if it were to announce its intention to issue a RFP for health insurance providers. A one year freeze in rate increases would save the county $14 million and an estimated $150 million for all Long Island taxpayers. This common-sense measure would save taxpayer dollars without harming those who depend on NYSHIP for their health insurance.
“This is a common sense way to protect taxpayers and save money,” said Weitzman. “At a time when the county’s debt is at an all-time high and property tax bills are on the rise, we have to find creative solutions to save taxpayer dollars.”
When he was County Comptroller, Weitzman spearheaded an effort to reduce health insurance premiums for the county and local governments. Weitzman identified areas where excessive premiums were being charged and, along with former County Executive Tom Suozzi and a coalition of school district superintendents, successfully fought to reduce a planned rate increase, saving Long Island taxpayers $116 million.
About Howard Weitzman, CPA
In 2001, Howard Weitzman became the only CPA ever elected to the office of Nassau County Comptroller after a 30 year career as a healthcare financial executive. He was subsequently re-elected to a second term in 2005. During his eight years as Comptroller, Howard Weitzman played a central role in the financial rescue of Nassau County. Under Howard’s leadership, the office of Comptroller became a national model for transparency and accountability while at the same time developing a reputation for groundbreaking audits, independence and integrity. A graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and Queens College, Howard is the former Mayor of Great Neck Estates, where he and his wife resided for 35 years and raised three children. He is currently a resident of North Hills.
