Speaker Coughlin Statement on Introduction of Bill Package to Support a State-Based Health Care Exchange

Legislation Would Build an Affordable Care Act Infrastructure in New Jersey

(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement on the introduction of legislation in the Assembly to support a state-based health care marketplace and establish an Affordable Care Act infrastructure in the Garden State:

“As a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, 20 million adults have gained health insurance coverage. Yet, even as the number of uninsured has been significantly reduced, millions of Americans still lack coverage.

“With the Affordable Care Act under constant threat in Washington, New Jersey is choosing to proactively protect its residents to enact the same benefits, rights and protections afforded under the ACA. While New Jersey law largely mirrors federal law, several changes are needed to match the landmark and successful ACA, and create a state-based exchange.

“Under our new state plan, every resident of New Jersey will continue to have access to comprehensive, quality health care. Health care is a right, not a privilege and I am proud of our efforts to protect families from financial loss for costs incurred because of sickness or injury.”