GOVERNOR’S STATEMENT ON SCHIP DECISION

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

August 17, 2008

Contact: Robert Corrales
609-777-2600


Governor Jon S. Corzine today reacted to the Bush Administration’s decision to not enforce its August 17, 2007 directive to cap SCHIP eligibility requirements at 250 percent of the federal poverty level. New Jersey covers children in families up to 350 percent.

“This is clearly a victory on behalf of children in New Jersey who rely on the continuation of our successful Family Care program,” said Governor Corzine.  “We are pleased the Bush Administration will not enforce these illegal and arbitrary proposals.  Doing so would have imposed unreasonable and harsh restraints on innocent children and families who depend on our program and similar ones across the country.

“I would urge the administration to rescind the directive. Until they do, we will continue to pursue our litigation in order to protect the more than 10,000 children who would lose their coverage.

 “One of government’s most critical functions is to protect our most vulnerable. Thanks to the steadfast commitment of our Democratic congressional delegation on this important issue, that core principle has been upheld and children in New Jersey will continue to receive the vital healthcare they deserve.”

New Jersey has one of the most generous eligibility programs in the country, which the federal government has consistently approved multiple program expansion efforts over the past ten years to cover children up to the 350 percent. If the directive were to take effect, more than 10,000 New Jersey children would be impacted immediately and another 15,000 - 20,000 more who are currently eligible, would be turned away from the program.