VITALE: PROVIDING NEW JERSEY’S POOR WITH ACCESS TO HEALTH COVERAGE A SMART STEP FOR STATE

TRENTON – Senator Joseph F. Vitale, Chairman of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, released the following statement today regarding the Governor’s announcement that New Jersey will participate in the federal Medicaid Expansion Program:

“With the Governor’s announcement today that New Jersey will expand access to Medicaid for tens of thousands of New Jerseyans, we are finally moving in the right direction in terms of providing all residents access to quality, affordable health coverage. For residents across the Garden State who are struggling to make ends meet, this expansion could be the lifeline they need to ensure the health of their families. This expansion will help to undo the cuts to New Jersey’s FamilyCare that left poor families – such as families of four who make as little as $32,000 a year – without vital health insurance.

“By participating in the national Medicaid expansion program, we are ensuring the health and well-being of our citizens while allowing the federal government to pick up the tab for the next three years. This is a smart step for the state. Not only will it reduce the costs of the state’s charity care program - which compensates hospitals for treating uninsured patients – it will save people’s lives by supplying health coverage to many of our uninsured.”