Christie, in turnaround, to widen Medicaid coverage

Gov. Christie said Tuesday New Jersey will extend Medicaid coverage to an estimated 300,000 uninsured residents under the federal Affordable Care Act.

The move marked a turnaround for the governor, who had previously said he was leaning against the expansion, but the financial benefits appeared to outweigh any political concerns.

Christie announced the planned expansion in proposing a no-frills $32.9 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

The Medicaid expansion, which will be 100 percent federally funded for three years, will save the state $227 million next year, he said.

The Republican governors of 13 states, including Pennsylvania's Gov. Corbett, have opposed the Medicaid expansion, part of what is known as Obamacare.

But seven of other GOP governors have accepted, including Florida's Rick Scott last week.

"Let me also be clear, I am no fan of the Affordable Care Act," Christie said. "I think it is wrong for New Jersey and I think it is wrong for America."

He said that even though he believes the Act will not "achieve what it promises," it is the law of the land and snubbing the federal funding will only mean other states will get more money for health care.

Christie noted that he has vetoed efforts to establish a state-run insurance exchange and instead has decided to allow the federal government to run the exchange in New Jersey.

The expansion will provide Medicaid coverage to individuals ages 19 to 65 who make less than $16,000 a year starting January 2014.

By 2020, states will pay 10 percent of the cost.

Christie's proposed budget includes $$966.3 million in hospital spending, $675 million for charity care.