N.J. Gov. Christie Undecided on Health Insurance Bill

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he wants the state to spend as little as possible implementing new federal health insurance requirements until the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether President Barack Obama’s plan is constitutional.

Speaking in Springfield last Thursday, Christie said he hasn’t decided whether to sign, veto or conditionally veto the New Jersey Health Benefit Exchange Act. The bill creates an online market for residents to buy federally subsidized health plans in 2014, when federal health care reforms require most Americans to get coverage. Christie has until May 10 to act.

The Supreme Court decision is due in June.

Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr., a physician who chairs the Assembly health committee, has urged Christie to sign the bill on behalf of the state’s 1.3 million uninsured residents.

Topics New Jersey