Vitale Statement on Federal Approval of New Jersey’s Affordable Care Act Protection Measures

TRENTON – Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizen Committee Chair Joseph F. Vitale expressed relief today as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury approved a State Innovation Waiver application to create the New Jersey Health Insurance Premium Security Fund in the State Treasury.   As sponsor of the “New Jersey Health Insurance Market Preservation Act,” Vitale issued the following statement on the federal ruling that ensures funding for the preservation and protection of Affordable Care Act benefits for New Jersey residents:

This federal approval cements our defense against the Trump Administration’s intent to dismantle the Affordable Care Act which has expanded health insurance coverage to more than 800,000 New Jersey residents and dropped our uninsured rate to the lowest in three decades.  New Jersey is now the premier state in the nation to stabilize the insurance market, lower premiums and preserve the viability of the individual mandate.  Having as many people as possible in the insurance program makes it more affordable for everyone.  New Jersey has a lot to celebrate today.