New Jersey Seeks Federal Permission To Expand Medicaid Family Planning Coverage

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Also Included In: Sexual Health / STDs;  Women's Health / Gynecology;  Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 09 Oct 2009 - 3:00 PST

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New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) this week applied for permission from the federal government to expand no-cost family planning services to uninsured women with incomes up to twice the federal poverty level, or about $21,000 annually, who do not qualify for existing subsidized health insurance programs, the AP/Philadelphia Inquirer reports. The program would cover the cost of health screenings, contraceptive counseling and supplies. Officials said that expanding family planning services would reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and result in healthier women and infants. The program would not cover abortion services. About 70,000 residents, or less than 1%, of women in New Jersey would be eligible for the program.

If Corzine's request is approved, the federal government would cover 90% of the cost, with New Jersey covering the remaining 10%. According to the AP/Inquirer, more than 20 states have received permission from the federal government to expand coverage of family planning to additional low-income people not otherwise eligible for subsidized services.

Corzine said the program would help the state fill gaps in health coverage. The announcement comes with four weeks left in Corzine's re-election bid. Both Corzine, who supports abortion rights, and opponent Chris Christie (R), who opposes abortion rights, are "aggressively courting women's votes," the AP/Inquirer reports (Mulvihill, AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/7).

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