CAPE MAY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BACK FEDERAL PUSH TO TIGHTEN SOCIAL PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Crest Haven — Cape May County commissioners voiced support for federal efforts to rein in Medicaid and other welfare programs during their May 27 meeting, despite pressure from Democratic candidates and activists urging them to push back against the legislation. The proposal, which has already passed the U.S. House of Representatives, aims to trim nearly $1 trillion from federal spending on programs like Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act, and SNAP. Proponents argue the cuts are necessary to address rampant error rates and long-standing inefficiencies. Commissioner Melanie Collette emphasized the need for reform, citing a nearly 40% error rate in New Jersey’s Medicaid eligibility assessments. She said only those not properly qualified are losing coverage, and pointed to information from Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s office highlighting systemic misuse.
Commissioner Bobby Barr, who receives Medicaid and Medicare himself, said the eligibility rules are clear and should be applied evenly. He rejected what he described as “fear-mongering” from Democratic candidates, one of whom accused the board of ignoring vulnerable residents. Democratic Assembly candidates Carolyn Rush and Brandon Saffold appealed to the board to pressure lawmakers in Washington to stop the bill, arguing the changes would affect thousands of local residents, including children and the elderly. But commissioners stood firm, underscoring the need for long-term sustainability and program integrity. No formal action was taken on the request for a resolution opposing the federal bill.