Raymond J Castro


Ray Castro was formerly the Director of Health Policy for NJPP. In this role, he worked to improve the health outcomes of New Jerseyans by producing reports, testifying in legislative hearings and working with advocates, legislators and their staff, and other key stakeholders to change policy and boost families in need. Ray’s research interests include: the Affordable Care Act, universal health coverage, NJ FamilyCare, health care transformation, poverty, the social safety net, public assistance and working family tax credits. Before joining NJPP in August 2006, Ray worked for the New Jersey Department of Human Services for more than 30 years, mainly serving as the Director of the DHS Office of Legislative Services in the Commissioner’s office. He was closely involved with developing federal and state legislation relating to Medicaid, mental health, welfare reform, child protective services, child care and other work support programs, and helped develop the policy and legislative strategy that led to New Jersey’s state Earned Income Tax Credit. He received a BA in psychology from the University of California-Berkeley and holds a master’s in social work degree with a specialization in policy from Rutgers University.

Repealing the Affordable Care Act Would Devastate New Jersey

In county after county, the numbers are clear: repealing the ACA without an adequate replacement is a terrible idea.

GOP Governors are Standing Up for Obamacare

Gov. Christie should join them, and fight to protect a key piece of his legacy.

Lawmakers Act to Defend the ACA After NJPP Report

We're fighting hard to protect the Affordable Care Act.

Repealing the Medicaid Expansion Would Reverse Health Coverage Gains & Deepen New Jersey’s Financial Crisis

Proposal would cause over a half million residents to lose health coverage and cost the state about $3 billion a year in federal funds.

Census: More New Jerseyans Gain Health Insurance

The share of New Jerseyans without insurance is now 8.7 percent.

TANF in New Jersey is a Rapidly Disappearing Safety Net

TANF enrollment of families with children has decreased by 37 percent in two years.

Christie Vetoes Needlessly Punish New Jersey’s Poorest Children

Gov. Christie is looking the crisis of deep child poverty right in the eye, and turning away without action.

Time For Affordability

Surprise out-of-network medical bills contribute to New Jersey's health care affordability problem. It's time for reform.

No, New Jersey’s Poorest Aren’t Offered a ‘Very Large’ Package of Benefits

The Department of Human Services Commissioner says families in WorkFirst NJ are offered a ”very large” package of benefits from other programs. But that's just not the case.

New Jersey Should Give All Families a Shot at Success By Boosting Basic Assistance

One of the main causes for deep child poverty is the erosion of basic assistance to New Jersey families facing the biggest economic challenges.