NJ Dems push Christie to expand Medicaid

Democratic lawmakers from New Jersey urged Gov. Chris Christie (R) Thursday to expand the state's Medicaid program under President Obama's healthcare law.

Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez joined six House members in a letter highlighting the estimated $11 billion in federal funds that would come from growing the low-income health insurance program.

"Expanding Medicaid is a great deal for New Jersey," the lawmakers wrote. "In our state alone, an estimated 300,000 people — 28 percent of those currently without insurance — are slated to gain access to Medicaid under the health reform law." 

At this point, six Republican governors have agreed to pursue the expansion, which would extend coverage to people living at or below 133 percent of the federal poverty line.

All are critics of the Affordable Care Act, like Christie, but say the policy will not necessarily threaten state budgets.

Under the healthcare law, the federal government will cover all initial costs for adding new Medicaid beneficiaries, then scale back its contribution to 90 percent over time.

Pressure has been growing on Christie to support the expansion, a decision the New Jersey legislature would support. He is slated to present the state's new budget on Feb. 26.

Reps. Frank Pallone, Bill Pascrell, Rush Holt, Albio Sires, Donald Payne Jr. and Robert Andrews also signed Thursday's letter.

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