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TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Commerce Chairwoman Nia H. Gill to ensure oversight of the implementation and operation of a federal health exchange in New Jersey was approved today by the full Senate. The bill was introduced in response to Governor Christie’s decision to turn over creation of New Jersey’s health exchange to the federal government.

“The health exchange is critically important to ensuring that residents who are uninsured and underinsured are able to access affordable, quality health coverage. Despite the governor’s decision to turn over its creation to the federal government, we still have an obligation to ensure our exchange is both efficient and effective and that is meets the unique needs of our residents,” said Senator Gill (D-Essex/Passaic). “This task force will provide a measure of oversight that will allow the Legislature to track progress of the exchange, so that we are prepared to make recommendations or to take legislative action if necessary.”

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Commerce Chairwoman Nia H. Gill to ensure oversight of the implementation and operation of a federal health exchange in New Jersey was approved today by the committee. Senator Gill introduced the bill in response to Governor Christie’s recent decision to turn over creation of New Jersey’s health exchange to the federal government.

“The governor’s decision to turn over creation of New Jersey’s health exchange to the federal government does not mean that the state also cedes responsibility for whether or not it is successful. It is vital that we remain involved in the process to ensure the health exchange that is created in our state meets the unique needs of our residents and that our state is benefiting to the maximum extent possible under the federal law,” said Senator Gill (D-Essex/Passaic). “This task force will provide a method of oversight that will allow the Legislature to track progress of the exchange and to respond legislatively if necessary.”