Press Release

NJPP: New Jersey Takes Major Step to Codify ACA Protections

New Jersey is solidifying its place as a national leader in protecting the health coverage of its residents.

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Published on Jan 9, 2020 in Health

Earlier today, the New Jersey Senate passed a package of bills to codify core provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in state law. Should a federal court strike down the ACA, these protections would remain in place if signed into law by Governor Murphy. In response to the passage of these bills, New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) releases the following statement.

Raymond Castro, Health Policy Director, NJPP:

“With the passage of these bills, New Jersey is solidifying its place as a national leader in protecting the health coverage of its residents. If signed by Governor Murphy, key provisions of the ACA will stay in place should a federal court strike down the landmark health care law. Most of these protections — such as prohibiting insurers from denying coverage for preexisting conditions, requiring essential benefits, providing free preventive services, and allowing parents to keep their dependents on their plan until age 26 — have been in effect for six years; it is hard to imagine a health care system without them.

“These bills, however, do not remedy the biggest problem New Jersey would face if the federal courts overturn the ACA: the loss of billions of federal dollars that are essential to provide Medicaid expansion coverage to a half-million New Jerseyans and keep premiums in the individual market affordable for another 300,000 adults and children. To avoid such a catastrophe, the state’s congressional delegation must continue to fight back against the Trump administration’s sabotage of the ACA.”

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Author

  • 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.