New Jersey today opened up a federally funded health insurance plan for people with pre-existing conditions such as cancer, high cholesterol or hypertension.
The insurance plan — part of the national health care overhaul passed earlier this year — is open to New Jersey residents with specifically defined pre-existing conditions, who have not had health insurance for six months. Only U.S. citizens, nationals or legal residents are eligible.
The plan, called NJ Protect, will cover about 21,000 people and cost $141 million over three years — all federal money, said Ed Rogan, a spokesman for the state Department of Banking and Insurance. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey will run the plan and accept applications.
Monthly insurance premiums will vary between $212 and $768, depending on age and plan.
New Jersey already prohibits health insurance companies from refusing to provide coverage for pre-existing conditions.
The state signed the contract Friday with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create the so-called high-risk pool, Rogan said.
The United States will spend $5 billion to create similar plans around the country, Rogan said.
(Source: NJ Star Ledger)
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My premium with Horizon is 50% higher than the higher number. This is part of the crock with govt healthcare. I am not sure why Christie isnt fighting this!
Time to take the govt back to the people!