Pallone, Menendez, Lautenberg Applaud CMS Decision to Qualify CHIP Parent Populations as “Newly Eligible” for Expanded Health Coverage

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

New Jersey will receive enhanced federal funds for the health coverage expansion made possible by the Affordable Care Act 

WASHINGTON DC –Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today praised the decision of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to qualify New Jersey parents previously covered under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as “newly eligible” for the NJ Medicaid State Plan, thanks to the expansion of coverage under the Affordable Care Act. The new policy will enable New Jersey to receive increased federal funds to help cover parents beginning in 2014.

The Affordable Care Act will expand coverage to 32 million more people, and nearly half of that expansion will occur through the Medicaid Program. Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) determines the amount of federal matching funds for state expenditures for medical services under Medicaid. To prevent states from shouldering the costs of the expanding health coverage, in 2014, the Affordable Care Act ensures that the federal government covers 100 percent of the costs of individuals “newly eligible” for health coverage under Medicaid.  New Jersey had previously been paying 35 percent of the cost of providing health insurance for these parents.

“In order for New Jersey to ensure the health of our children, we must take steps to ensure that their parents are healthy too,” said Pallone.  That’s why I have advocated tirelessly to have these parents included as ‘newly eligible’ for Medicaid, which will help provide New Jersey with crucial additional funding to expand quality health care.”

“FamilyCare is critically important for the health of New Jersey children, as well as their parents, so I’m very glad that the federal government has recognized New Jersey’s past leadership in covering parents and ensuring healthy families,” said Senator Menendez, “As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, it was my priority as part of the Affordable Care Act to ensure that New Jersey received its fair share of federal reimbursement for having already covered this population, and this announcement of enhanced funding, including 100% federal funding for the first two years, accomplishes that goal.  Now these families can rest assured that they will be able to continue to receive the care they need.”

"This ruling is big win for New Jersey and another example of how the Affordable Care Act is working to benefit families in our state," stated Lautenberg.  "As New Jersey is struggling to pass a budget that upholds basic services for working families, this federal relief will ensure that thousands of New Jersey parents have access to affordable, quality health care."     

Demand For Social Services in Monouth County have Increased 51% Over The Past Year Due To Economic Woes

By Freeholder Amy Mallet

Over the last four years, Monmouth County has seen a very significant increase in the demand for Social Services, most notably Food Stamps (now called NJ SNAP) and Family Care Medicaid. Recently, the numbers of people applying for basic welfare programs have also begun to rise.

The steady growth in need is not a surprise given the economic climate and the rate of unemployment. Many of these individuals are our neighbors, families and friends who want nothing more than to be able to return to work and support their families.

Specifically, we have seen a 64 percent increase in the total number of Food Stamp applications from 2007 through 2010. This year, in the month of March alone, we registered 1,245 new Food Stamp applications – up 51 percent from the same time last year. Currently, there are 14,436 families and individuals in Monmouth County receiving a monthly Food Stamp allotment.

The economic woes that have affected the whole nation have taken a toll here in Monmouth County. Despite the fact that the demand for services has increased significantly, the 2011 budget for the Department of Human Services was decreased by 6 percent.

The Monmouth County Department of Human Services is to be commended for continued commitment to providing assistance while facing growing need and shrinking resources. As the direct liaison to this department, I would like to publicly thank our dedicated employees for their perseverance. We are hopeful that everyone impacted by hard times will see their situations improve as the economy recovers. In the meantime, it is reassuring to witness the work being done by our committed county staff.

Amy A. Mallet

Freeholder, Monmouth County

New Corzine Video: Partners in Healthcare

In this New video from the Corzine campaign New Jerseyans speak out about healthcare in the Garden State and the leadership of Governor Jon Corzine.

HOLT SUPPORTS EXTENDING CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM:Similar to Bill President Bush Twice Vetoed in 110th Congress

(Washington, DC) – Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) today voted to extend and improve the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to protect existing coverage and provide states with funding to provide coverage for 4 million additional children. The bill is similar to legislation that Holt helped pass twice in the 110th Congress, but President Bush vetoed.

“Sending a child to the emergency room is not an alternative to having comprehensive health insurance,” Holt said. “Especially at a time when millions of families are facing economic hardships, we must ensure that children have the care they need.”

SCHIP currently provides health care coverage for more than 7 million low-income children who otherwise would go without care. President-elect Obama has signaled his support for expanding SCHIP.

New Jersey uses its SCHIP funds to run a program called FamilyCare. Currently, 150,000 children and approximately 100,000 low-income parents are enrolled in New Jersey's program.

Holt also noted that the bill would provide parity for mental health for children.

“I long have fought for mental health parity, and was pleased that last year we could improve mental health coverage for private insurance plans and Medicare. I am encouraged that we have now extended this to the SCHIP program.”