New Jersey Expands SCHIP– No Help From The Federal Government Or Taxpayers Required

This seems like big news that’s receiving remarkably low-key media coverage. Governor Jon Corzine has unveiled a major expansion of NJ FamilyCare, the state’s name for Medicaid/SCHIP. Beginning next month, all uninsured children, regardless of family income, will be eligible for Horizon Blue Cross-Blue Shield heath insurance coverage.

After all the weeping and wailing by Democrats, it turns out an expansion of the SCHIP program by the federal government was unnecessary. It also turns out state and federal taxpayers don’t have to pony up extra dollars to make it happen.

The new program will allow parents at any income level who have no health coverage for their children to buy into the FamilyCare program at the same rate Horizon Blue Cross-Blue Shield charges the state: $137 a month for one child, $274 for two children or $411 for three or more kids.

Until now, FamilyCare has been open to children whose families earn up to 350 percent above the federal poverty line (for example, $72,275 for a family of four). State and federal funds subsidize the cost, so those with the lowest incomes receive free coverage while those earning 200 percent or more above poverty pay premiums ranging from $18.50 to $125 a month.

Good news like this doesn’t happen very often. It’s time to celebrate and pass the word.