New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, R, blasted Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey as one of the "rich insurance companies" that failed to "help take care of poor, drug-addicted" residents, NJ.com reports.
Gov. Christie made the remarks at a meeting with the Laborers International Union of North America Monday, where he was signing a bill concerning transportation funds. The statement follows Gov. Christie's proposal last month to use some of Horizon's surplus to create a permanent fund for drug treatment costs.
The governor said it was "obscene" Horizon, the state's largest insurer, "calls themselves a nonprofit [and] sits on nearly $3 billion of your money, in surplus, and doesn't want to give any of it to help take care of members of our families who are drug addicted and need treatment," NJ.com reports.
The insurer said it proposed offering $135 million to fund addiction treatment, although the governor sought $300 million. Horizon spokesperson Kevin McArdle told NJ.com the insurer "remains willing to work with the governor but will oppose any effort that will mean higher premiums and less security for our 3.8 million policyholders."