Governor Corzine Issues ‘Cabinet Call to Action’
For Immediate Release:
October 1, 2009
For Information:
Suzanne Esterman, 609-292-3703
Nearly 100,000 New Children Enrolled in NJ FamilyCare
TRENTON — Nine members of Governor Jon Corzine’s Administration blanketed New Jersey in a ‘Cabinet Call to Action’ to promote NJ FamilyCare, the state and federally subsidized health insurance program for children and working families on Thursday, October 1. This statewide awareness and outreach effort is ensure that more families sign their children up for this important program.Corzine Administration Officials holds 19 Events in 11 Counties to Ensure More Children Receive Health Coverage
“Families cannot build a strong economic future for their children without stable, secure and affordable health insurance and that is why Departments throughout my Administration have made NJ FamilyCare a top priority,” Governor Corzine said. “We will continue to work to ensure every child in our state gets the health insurance they need and deserve.”
Cabinet members and the New Jersey Hospital Association came together at the Lord Stirling Elementary School in New Brunswick at 2 p.m. to announce an increase in the number of children enrolled in the NJ FamilyCare program as well as an award that will reinforce New Jersey’s position as a national leader in advancing health care for all children.
“The new Administration in Washington has been exceptionally supportive of our outreach efforts with NJ FamilyCare,” said DHS Commissioner Jennifer Velez. “Our success in enrollment means healthier children and one less worry for many working families.”
The ‘Cabinet Call to Action’ is part of a multi-departmental outreach campaign. Commissioners and other administrators visited hospitals, pre-schools, schools, federally qualified health centers, non-profit agencies, one-stop career centers, and community centers to meet with parents directly impacted by NJ FamilyCare, organization leaders, and encourage community-based enrollment.
Participating administration officials included Human Services Commissioner Jennifer Velez, Education Commissioner Lucille Davy, Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard, Children and Families Commissioner Kimberly Ricketts, Banking and Insurance Commissioner Neil Jasey, Public Advocate Ronald Chen, School Development Authority CEO Kris Kolluri, Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner David Socolow and Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher.
In July 2008, Governor Corzine signed landmark legislation that required all children under the age of 19 to be insured through private or public plans.
NJ FamilyCare is administered by the state Department of Human Services as a free or low-cost program for income-eligible families. It covers children in families earning up to 350 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (about $77,000 for a family of four) and parents earning up to 200 percent of FPL (about $44,000 for a family of four).
NJ FamilyCare ADVANTAGE is a ‘buy-in’ program for families earning more than 350 percent FPL. The maximum monthly premium is $411 for a family with three or more children.
Cabinet events for Thursday are listed below.
Corzine Administration Announcement
Lord Stirling Elementary School
101 Redmond Street, New Brunswick
2 p.m.
Commissioner Jen Velez
Department of Human Services
Starting Points for Children
2737 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
10:30 a.m.
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies
303-309 Washington Street, Newark
Noon
Commissioner Lucille Davy
Department of Education
Parker School
117 Ferry Street, Trenton
9:00 a.m.
Anastasia School
92 7th Avenue, Long Branch
11:00 a.m.
Commissioner Heather Howard
Department of Health and Senior Services
Trinitas Hospital
225 Williamson Street, Elizabeth
10:00 a.m.
Henry J. Austin Health Center at Ewing Street
112 Ewing Street, Trenton
Noon
Commissioner Neil Jasey
Department of Banking and Insurance
North Hudson Community Action Corporation Health Center
25. E. Salem Street, Hackensack
10:00 a.m.
Commissioner Kimberly Ricketts
Department of Children and Families
Puerto Rican Action Board
90 Jersey Avenue, New Brunswick
1:00 p.m
Community Planning and Advocacy Center (CPAC) Annual Awards Dinner
Crowne Plaza Hotel
2349 West Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill
6:30 p.m.
Secretary Douglas Fisher
Department of Agriculture
Mercer Street Friends Food Bank
824 Sylvia Street, Ewing
9:30 a.m.
Community FoodBank of New Jersey
31 Evans Terminal, Hillside
1:00 p.m.
Commissioner David Socolow
Department of Labor
Gloucester County One-Stop Career Center
215 Crown Point Road, Thorofare
10:00 a.m.
Camden County One-Stop Career Center
2600 Mt. Ephraim Avenue, Camden
11:30 a.m.
Kris Kolluri, CEO
New Jersey School Development Authority
Catto Community School
3100 Westfield Avenue, Camden
9:00 a.m.
Newark Central High School
246 18th Avenue, Newark
11:00 a.m.
Public Advocate Ronald Chen
Department of the Public Advocate
Paterson Family Center
32 Spruce Street, Paterson
10:00 a.m.
Learning and Laughter Child Care Center
1410 Main Avenue, Clifton
11:30 a.m.
Sandy Lane Nursery
634 Mill Street, Belleville
12:15 p.m.
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