Caride, ex-N.J. banking commissioner, to serve as Hudson County Superior Court judge

Marlene Caride, the former New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance commissioner, will serve as a Hudson County Superior Court judge.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Department Chief of Staff Justin Zimmerman became acting commissioner today after the New Jersey Senate approved Gov. Phil Murphy’s (D) judicial nomination of Caride yesterday.

“From the start of our administration, Marlene Caride has been a vital part of our team and a leader in advocating the interests of our residents and connecting families to quality, affordable health insurance,” Murphy said in a statement.

“She has served the State of New Jersey admirably as a member of the Legislature and as Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. We thank her for her service and know she will continue to benefit the great state of New Jersey as a member of the New Jersey Superior Court.”

Caride joined Murphy’s cabinet on his first day in office on January 16th, 2018, following six years of service as an Assemblywoman in the 36th Legislative District, which includes portions of Passaic and Bergen Counties.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities the Governor has afforded me to serve the residents of the state as Commissioner of Banking and Insurance over the last five years, and to continue serving the public on the Superior Court,” she added.

“Together, we were able to create a stronger and fairer New Jersey by protecting consumers and improving access to health care at a time when it was needed most, and I know that work will continue. Having had the privilege to work with Justin these past five years, I know that his experience, strong public policy background and commitment to the goals of this administration will greatly benefit the residents of this state.

Under Caride’s leadership, the Department of Banking and Insurance launched Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace and enrollment has increased by more than 20 percent since creation of the program.

She also established pregnancy as a qualifying life event to enroll in health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey through a Special Enrollment Period, outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period.

The Department of Banking and Insurance regulates the banking, insurance and real estate industries and operates Get Covered New Jersey, which is a division within the department.

As for Zimmerman, he joined the department in January 2018, where he oversees the executive management team and manages all aspects of the department’s policy implementation, under the direction of the commissioner.

“I look forward to continuing the important work of the department to ensure that New Jersey’s residents are protected, have access to quality, affordable health insurance and that the department’s regulated entities operate in accordance with the law,” he added.

Caride was one of seven confirmed as superior court judges yesterday, which also included now former Kearny Mayor Al Santos.