NJ's Uninsured Slow To Sign Up For Health Coverage
HACKENSACK, N.J. (AP/WCBS 880) -- Just two people in New Jersey will begin receiving coverage Monday under new plans created by federal health care reforms.
NJ Protect plans are available to those who have been without insurance for at least six months and submit evidence of pre-existing health conditions.
The state will receive $141 million in federal subsidies to cover claims that exceed the premiums paid by the beneficiaries.
Citizen Action's Health advocate Crystal Snedden says more needs to be done to inform people how NJ Protect could potentially benefit them.
"The goal really is to help get the word out so that people know that this program is available to them," Snedden told WCBS 880 reporter Levon Putney.
LISTEN: WCBS 880's Levon Putney reports
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey spokesman Tom Vincz expects more people will enroll in the coming weeks.
Vincz says more than 600 applications were downloaded and 268 information kits were sent out following the program's announcement on Aug. 1.
Two policies are available, with premiums ranging from $212 to $768 monthly, depending on age.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
