Since 1999 Gary V. Cupo has brought a broker’s perspective to the New Jersey Small Employer Health Benefits Program.

Gary V. Cupo

Cupo, 57, president of Wayne, N.J.-based Benefit Solutions, was recently reappointed to the state board of directors by Gov. Jon S. Corzine, as one of two insurance producers as part of the group, with seven seats going to carrier representative.

Established in 1995, the board is charged with administering the state’s Small Employer Health Benefits Program with the goal of increasing access to coverage, protecting consumers, educating key stakeholders in the marketplace and others, as well as promoting carrier participation in the market, under New Jersey State Law.

“I’m providing broker and consumer input,” Cupo told IFAwebnews.com. “A lot of the board members are carriers and welcome input from broker representatives on the board. Brokers see firsthand what the consumer wants and needs, hear the complaints or aspects of law that need to be changed and can make recommendations for the benefit of the consumers.”

Cupo, 36, said the board has certainly made gains in accessibility to health care, “but the concern is affordability.”

“Affordability is paramount in the eyes of the public and we are all looking for a solution,” he said. “Most of the uninsured in our country do have access to coverage which we are all paying for.  Going to a hospital for urgent care is not the way to spend taxpayer money.  We need to find a more efficient and productive way to spend that money with better care and outcomes for our uninsured. Federal mandates are necessary.”

He is particularly proud of “how responsive the board is to every reasonable matter that is brought to their attention from brokers and consumers.” He also noted the board’s work to publish a 50-page Small Employer Health Benefit Program Buyer’s Guide, revised last year, covering issues such as eligibility, participation and contribution issues as well as rates and cost-sharing.

In addition to his service on the state board, Cupo is also a past state president for the New Jersey Association of Health Underwriters.