NJCA Statement on passage of package of ACA protection bills

Trenton– New Jersey Citizen Action released the following statement today in response to the New Jersey State Legislature passing a package of Affordable Care Act protection bills  (A1773, A5507/S3803, A5508, S562/A5248, S3374 S802, S3808, S3809, S3812) that will protect state residents from the potential loss of guaranteed coverage for essential health benefits such as preventative care, treatment for substance use and mental health, and reproductive health services. The bills also prevent loss of protections for pre-existing conditions and allow children to remain on their parents’ health insurance until age 26. The State Assembly still has yet to vote on A5510, which would prohibit discrimination in health programs and practices; the State Senate passed a similar bill last week.

“We thank the state Legislature for adopting this package of Affordable Care Act protection bills and urge Governor Murphy to sign them immediately,” said Maura Collinsgru, NJCA Health Care Program Director. “It’s vital we enact these laws given the Trump administration’s continuing assault on the ACA and our health care system through legislation, regulation, executive orders and most recently through the federal courts. Enshrining the gains made under the ACA ensures we provide a strong, comprehensive health care safety net for New Jersey patients that will save lives.

“It’s unfortunate that the Assembly failed to adopt A5510 and we urge them to vote on it as soon as possible in the next legislative session. We look forward to continuing to work with Governor Murphy and our state Legislators to provide New Jerseyans with access to affordable quality health care.”

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New Jersey Citizen Action is a statewide advocacy and social service organization that fights for social, racial and economic justice for all while also meeting the pressing needs of low and moderate income New Jerseyans through education and direct service.