N.J.'s Corzine to Defy New Health-Care Rules (we found a spine!)

[babylonsister]

N.J.'s Corzine to Defy New Health-Care Rules
Fight Grows Over Changes in Children's Program

By Christopher Lee
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, September 14, 2007; Page A04


Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine informed President Bush this week that New Jersey will not obey federal rules that would make it harder to enroll middle-income kids for a popular government-subsidized health insurance program.

His move escalated the growing confrontation between a number of states and the administration over the new rules imposed on the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). They have been criticized as unfair and overreaching by children's advocates and politicians of both parties, but Corzine's declaration marks the first time a governor has openly vowed to defy them.

New Jersey's action comes against the background of a larger debate over the $5 billion-a-year program's future. The Senate and the House have passed legislation that would dramatically increase funding and make it possible to sign up millions of children for coverage.

Bush has sought a much smaller funding increase and has promised to veto either bill, saying they would inappropriately enlarge the federal role in health care. The program, which serves 6.6 million kids, will expire at the end of the month if Congress does not reauthorize it or pass a temporary extension.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/13/AR2007091302139.html?nav=rss_business

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Not for nothin', but considering Corzine's accident, surgeries, and rehab,

if ANYONE should understand the inherent value of health insurance, he's the guy.

[madokie]

2. good on Governor Corzine

[npincus]

3. Go, Corzine!

He lives in my town (Hoboken, NJ) and when he's in town eats at a local steakhouse. Word is he's a very nice, down-to-earth guy and a very generous tipper!

[bunkerbuster1]

4. Bravo!

More like this, please.