TRENTON, N.J. — A new dispute over New Jersey’s record $60.7 billion state budget has erupted after Assembly Republicans accused Democratic leaders of cutting state Medicaid funding while blaming Washington for reductions in healthcare spending.
The New Jersey Assembly GOP said Wednesday that the Fiscal Year 2027 budget reduced state Medicaid appropriations by $266 million despite a $1 billion increase in federal Medicaid funding. Republicans argue the figures contradict months of claims that federal policy was responsible for Medicaid funding concerns.
“They cut Medicaid to pay for their own pork, then turned around and blamed Washington for it,” Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips said in a statement released by the Assembly Republican caucus.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed New Jersey’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget on June 30 just before the constitutional deadline. The record $60.7 billion spending plan includes record K-12 education aid, billions in property tax relief through programs such as Stay NJ and ANCHOR, increased transportation funding, a full pension payment and no increase in the state’s individual income tax.
Republicans contend that while Democrats spent much of the summer warning about federal Medicaid cuts, budget testimony from state officials paints a different picture. According to the Assembly GOP, both the State Treasurer and the Commissioner of Human Services acknowledged during budget discussions that state Medicaid funding was reduced while overall federal Medicaid funding increased.
Democratic leaders have defended the budget by arguing that changes in Medicaid appropriations reflect adjustments tied to expiring pandemic-era federal funding formulas, reimbursement changes and other technical budgeting mechanisms rather than reductions in healthcare services for beneficiaries.
Federal Medicaid funding can fluctuate annually based on enrollment levels, matching formulas established under federal law and changes in eligible healthcare expenditures. As a result, increases in federal reimbursements do not necessarily correspond to increases in state appropriations, even when overall program funding remains stable.
The competing narratives have become part of a broader political battle over New Jersey’s first budget under Gov. Sherrill. Republicans have also criticized the administration over transparency, noting that detailed budget resolutions explaining how appropriated funds will be distributed had not yet been released more than six weeks after the budget became law.
For Medicaid recipients, the political debate does not necessarily mean healthcare benefits have been reduced. State officials have maintained that New Jersey’s Medicaid program remains fully operational despite the shift in state and federal funding sources.
The dispute is likely to continue as lawmakers prepare for budget oversight hearings and begin planning for next year’s spending proposal, which the governor is expected to present to the Legislature next spring.
Key Points
- Assembly Republicans say New Jersey reduced state Medicaid funding by $266 million while federal Medicaid funding increased by approximately $1 billion.
- Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips accused Democratic leaders of blaming Washington for cuts that Republicans say originated in the state budget.
- Democratic officials have said the funding changes reflect shifts in federal reimbursement formulas and expiring pandemic-era funding rather than reductions in Medicaid services.
FAQ
Did New Jersey cut Medicaid?
The Fiscal Year 2027 budget reduced state Medicaid appropriations by approximately $266 million, according to Republican lawmakers and budget testimony. State officials have said overall Medicaid services remain fully funded through changes in federal reimbursement.
Why did federal Medicaid funding increase?
Federal Medicaid funding can increase because of reimbursement formulas, enrollment changes, matching rates and other federal funding mechanisms.
Are Medicaid recipients losing coverage?
State officials have maintained that New Jersey’s Medicaid program remains operational and that the budget changes do not necessarily translate into reduced healthcare services for beneficiaries.
What are Republicans alleging?
Assembly Republicans argue Democrats reduced state Medicaid funding and then incorrectly blamed federal policy for Medicaid funding concerns.
What do Democrats say?
Democratic leaders have said the budget adjustments reflect changes in funding formulas and the expiration of pandemic-era federal assistance rather than cuts to patient care.
Sources: New Jersey Assembly GOP, Office of the New Jersey Treasurer budget testimony, New Jersey Department of Human Services budget testimony.
