Booker, Sweeney Visit Inspira Heath Center to Highlight Positive Impact of Affordable Care Act on New Jerseyans

ELMER, NJ - Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) was joined by New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney in visiting Inspira Health Center in Elmer to tour the facility, meet with staff, and highlight the positive impact of the Affordable Care Act on New Jerseyans. Today's visit capped off a whirlwind weekend as Sen. Booker crisscrossed the state listening to the issues that matter most to New Jersyans as part of his 2017 Jersey Summer Road Trip.

"After all the failed Republican efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, one thing remains the same - the ACA is working for the people of New Jersey," said Sen. Booker. "Thanks to greater insurance coverage and efforts by hospitals like Inspira, the amount of documented charity care provided by New Jersey hospitals has declined from $1 billion to $480 million. This not only makes economic sense for our state, but it means better quality care and increased efficiency. I was pleased to join Senate President Sweeney today to see firsthand the quality healthcare Inspira Health Center is providing to South Jersey communities."

"We all have to continue to work at the federal and state levels to make sure that quality and affordable health care is available to everyone," said Senate President Steve Sweeney. "There are political forces in Washington that have tried to eliminate the availability of health care and there are changes in the marketplace that can put upward pressures on costs and accessibility if they aren't managed effectively. Senator Booker and I will continue to fight for the rights of every American and every New Jerseyan to have the medical care they need at costs they can afford. We support Inspira as a member of the largest non-profit health system in the region that continues to earn high marks in patient outcomes and satisfaction. Inspira is building on its record of excellence by expanding its facilities to serve communities throughout Gloucester and Salem counties."

"We appreciate the chance to meet and discuss our commitment to our community and our development plans for the South Jersey region," said John DiAngelo, President of Inspira Health Network. "We especially appreciate the Senator's role in helping to shape health care reform with residents of New Jersey in mind."

Inspira Medical Center (IMC) Elmer is a free-standing 96-bed acute care hospital located in Elmer, New Jersey. IMC Elmer primarily serves Salem County and the western section of Cumberland County with an overall service area population of approximately 100,000. Originally constructed in 1950, IMC Elmer has undergone several major renovations and has been nationally recognized for patient satisfaction, including being first in New Jersey to receive "Baby Friendly" certification.

Sen. Booker's day started in Cape May County where he visited the Wildwoods Vietnam Memorial Wall to lay a wreath in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Following the ceremony, Booker joined the Cape May veterans for a breakfast meeting to discuss veterans' healthcare. Sen. Booker concluded today in Cumberland County where he met with The Farmworker Support Committee (CATA) and New Jersey farm workers at a community farm in Bridgeton to discuss his efforts to protect workers' rights.

Read this original document at: https://www.booker.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=637