New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Neil N. Jasey recently met with State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-37th District) and local officials to highlight increases in the enrollment in the NJ FamilyCare program.

Since 2006, enrollment has grown by nearly 100,000 children.

Neil N. Jasey

Touring the North Hudson Community Action Corporation Health Center, a federally qualified health center, Jasey applauded the efforts of Gov. Jon Corzine, saying the number of New Jersey residents without health insurance decreased by more than 11% or 147,000 individuals. That decrease is the second largest reduction in the nation between 2007 and 2008, according to the U.S. Census.

“Through the governor’s initiatives, New Jersey continues to have eligibility for NJ FamilyCare set at 350% of the federal poverty level, which is one of the most generous levels in the nation,” Jasey said. He added that New Jersey has expanded this program to cover all parents up to 200% of the federal poverty level.

Jasey and Weinberg congratulated North Hudson Community Action Health Center staff during their tour of the Bergen County FQHC. The health center provides affordable health care to many NJ FamilyCare patients who are able to have greater access to quality healthcare.

“New Jersey is setting the national standard to ensure our families have secure and affordable health care and our children have a healthy start in life,” said Sen. Weinberg. “And, we know that enrolling more children in NJ FamilyCare makes economic sense. Individuals with health insurance will receive more appropriate preventive care, stay healthier, and strengthen our health care system.”

Assemblywoman Valeri Vainieri Huttle said the The North Hudson Community Health Center “is on the front lines of Governor Corzine’s fight to ensuring every child in New Jersey has health insurance.”

“Today’s tour shows that he is making great progress toward that goal, but we have more to do and we will continue to work together in achieving it,” said Huttle.