Lance Votes To Renew And Improve Important Health Insurance Program For New Jersey Children

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (NJ-07) today voted in favor of legislation that would renew and improve the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This measure is similar to legislation passed twice during the 110th Congress.

Last month, 129,322 New Jersey children were enrolled in the program known as the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The program is a partnership of federal and state governments. In New Jersey, it is administered by NJ FamilyCare.

"SCHIP ensures more than 120,000 New Jersey children receive health care," said Lance immediately following the vote on the floor of the House. "Because New Jersey has the second highest cost of living in nation, SCHIP is very important to those working families struggling with the high costs of healthcare. It's especially important to children whose parents either don't have insurance through their employers or whose parents may have recently lost their jobs because of the current economic downturn."

According to NJ FamilyCare, SCHIP enrollment totaled 821children in Hunterdon County, 12,156 children in Middlesex County, 3,171children in Somerset County and 10,438 children in Union County. Lance's 7th District includes portions of those four counties.

The House approved the measure 289-139. Congressman Lance was one of just 40 Republicans to support the bill. The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.

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