NJ is directed to suspend enrollment in insurance program for people with preexisting conditions
Friday February 22, 2013, 8:12 PM
BY LINDY WASHBURN
STAFF WRITER
The Record
New Jersey next Friday will suspend enrollment in an insurance program for people with preexisting medical conditions mandated by the new federal health care law, officials said.
The state was directed to do so by the federal Department of Health and Human Services, which received limited funding from Congress to provide coverage in each of the 50 states. Without the suspension, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan would be in danger of running out of money to cover those currently enrolled, according to a message posted on the program’s website.
“Those who have been considering purchasing health coverage … need to know that now is your last chance to enroll,” said Ellen DeRosa, executive director of the state’s Individual Health Coverage Program. To be eligible, New Jersey residents must have been uninsured for at least the previous six months and have a preexisting medical condition. Applications will be accepted through the close of business on Friday.
