As part of National Women’s Health Week (May 11 – 16), Assemblywoman Annette Quijano was honored by the New Jersey Primary Care Association (NJPCA) and the Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) at the 10th Annual Women’s Health Advocates Brunch at the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple on May 13.
Quijano was honored for her significant contributions to women’s health and her commitment to the vision that every New Jersey resident should have access to affordable health care.
“I feel so honored to be recognized as a women’s health advocate by the NHPCA and FQHCs,” said Quijano (D-Union). “Women’s health care has been one of my top priorities since I began serving in the General Assembly. I truly believe that all women should be afforded access to quality health care, including family planning services, regardless of their financial circumstances. I will continue to represent the health care interests of New Jersey’s women to the best of my ability.”
In 2013, Quijano sponsored legislation (A-4171), which expanded Medicaid coverage for family planning services to non-pregnant individuals whose income does not exceed the highest income eligibility level established for pregnant women. The bill exercised a state option provided under the federal “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” which permits states to expand family planning services through a state plan amendment while the federal government would pay 90 percent of the costs. Governor Christie issued an absolute veto of the bill in September 2013. The bill was part of a two-bill package which also strived to restore funding vetoed by Gov. Christie for women’s health centers.