New Jersey lawmakers vote to reinstate Obama Care individual mandate

[OnDoutside]

New Jersey lawmakers have sent a bill to the governor that would reinstate ObamaCare's individual mandate after Congress repealed it late last year.

If signed by Gov. Phil Murphy (D), New Jersey would become the first state to issue a statewide health insurance requirement following Congress's repeal of the rule that most people acquire health insurance or pay a fine, which doesn't take effect until 2019.

The bill would require those without insurance pay a fine equal to 2.5 percent of their household income or $695 per adult and $347 per child, whichever is greater.
State lawmakers said it's an attempt to stabilize New Jersey's insurance markets by ensuring healthy people continue to purchase coverage.

The bill could affect about 275,000 people who get insurance through New Jersey's individual market.

Health experts have worried Congress's repeal of ObamaCare's individual mandate could destabilize the insurance markets, leading to premium increases.

Other states, such as Maryland and California, have also considered passing statewide mandates.

http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/383047-new-jersey-lawmakers-pass-obamacare-mandate-after-congress-repeals-it