ALERT: Christie Vetoes ObamaCare Insurance Exchange Legislation

Big news, Save Jerseyans…

Governor Christie has vetoed legislation that would have established a state-run health care insurance exchange in New Jersey pursuant to the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act.

Even juicier? His decision was announced shortly after a face-to-face meeting with President Obama at the White House to discuss Hurricane Sandy aid.

In making his decision, Christie cited anticipated costs which we’ve discussed before here at Save Jersey. He also complained about an acute lack of information from the Feds in response to his inquiries:

We will comply with the Affordable Care Act, but only in the most efficient and cost effective way for New Jersey taxpayers. Such an important decision as how to best move forward for New Jerseyans can only be understood and reasonably made when fairly and fully compared to the overall value of the other options. Until the federal government gives us all the necessary information, any other action than this would be fiscally irresponsible…

“Thus far, we lack such critical information from the federal government. I will not ask New Jerseyans to commit today to a State-based Exchange when the federal government cannot tell us what it will cost, how that cost compares to other options, and how much control they will give the states over this option that comes at the cost of our state’s taxpayers.”

Christie vetoed a similar measure back in May 2012.

New Jersey’s top Republican wouldn’t rule out future action pending more information from Washington; he nevertheless expressed his belief that an exchange wouldn’t be New Jersey’s most cost effective option.

Christie specifically noted how “[w]hile the federal governmental has enabled states to apply for grant funding to cover some of the initial costs of such an endeavor, the total price for such a program has never been quantified, and is likely to be onerous. Without knowing the full scope of which Exchange option would be most beneficial and cost efficient for New Jerseyans, it would be irresponsible to force such a bill on our citizens.”

Click here to read his veto message accompanying the official veto of S-2135.

Here’s a breakdown from the Governor regarding question marks that gave him pause:

Costs in Federally Facilitated or Partnership Exchanges: While “user fees” paid by insurers have been identified as a financing mechanism for Federally Facilitated or Partnership Exchanges, only late last week did the federal government offer a preliminary glimpse as to what those costs might include. Questions linger on the sharing of user-fees in Partnership Exchanges.

Federal Exchange Operations: The federal government has yet to present a structured blueprint for the design and operation of a Federally Facilitated Exchange and the technical details for its linkage to each state.

Federal Rulemaking: The last several weeks have trigged a restart of proposed federal regulations relating to the Affordable Care Act, guidance has come from Washington at an erratic pace, and there exists no predictable plan for future rulemaking.

Developing…

 

Matt Rooney
About Matt Rooney 8390 Articles
MATT ROONEY is SaveJersey.com's founder and editor-in-chief, a practicing New Jersey attorney, and the host of 'The Matt Rooney Show' on 1210 WPHT every Sunday evening from 7-10PM EST.

8 Comments

  1. I do however see the governor took time to go to the White House Christmas party with his new BFF.

  2. I thought you drank the kool-ade – cozing up to Obama. Didn't come through for you did he? So glad you are remembering your Republican roots.

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