Senate committee advances bill creating state-run health insurance exchange [Asbury Park Press, N.J.]

Oct. 02--TRENTON -- Another bill that would create a state-run health insurance exchange was advanced by New Jersey lawmakers Monday, but it's similar to a measure vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie in May.

The Senate Commerce Committee, on a vote along party lines, sent the Democratic bill to the full upper house for consideration.

The most significant change from the bill Christie vetoed is that sponsors eliminated having a paid board to oversee the exchange. The part-time board members were originally in line to receive $50,000 salaries.

Christie said Monday that he wants to take time to decide how New Jersey's exchange will work, according to the Associated Press. The Republican governor said it may be best to let the federal government run it for the state.

The bill advanced through the committee without Republican support. Sen. Tom Kean Jr., R-Union, didn't cast a vote, and Sen. Gerald Cardinale, R-Bergen, opposed it.

"I think we could have a bill that is bipartisan in nature and could really do the job that's necessary. I'm actually disappointed," Cardinale said. "But I'm encouraged that the governor has the ability to make changes or once again veto the bill."

New Jersey for months has sent mixed signals on how the federal health care law will be implemented here. There's a Nov. 16 deadline for states to set up their own insurance exchanges. The federal government will take over the responsibility for states that miss the deadline.

There are still 37 states that haven't formally committed to running their own exchanges.

Bob Jordan: [email protected]

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