More NJ Residents Enroll in Federal Health Care

The number of New Jersey residents who enrolled for health insurance through a federal government-run website grew threefold in the program's second month.
 
But still well under 1 percent of eligible residents have completed their registrations.
 
The federal government announced Wednesday that about 2,500 people completed the process in New Jersey in November. In October, just over 700 signed up.
 
An estimated 900,000 state residents are eligible for the exchange that is a key part of President Barack Obama's health insurance overhaul.
 
About 48,000 people in New Jersey have completed applications but not yet selected a plan.
 
The exchange website had major problems when it launched, though the government says they have been fixed since then. There's a Dec. 23 deadline for people to register in time to have coverage begin Jan. 1.
 
Those who do not meet the deadline can still get coverage, but not until February or later.

Also on Wednesday, The federal government has also announced grants to 20 New Jersey clinics to help people register for coverage.
 
The federally qualified clinics are sharing $5.2 million as part of a $58 million program nationwide. Officials say the New Jersey clinics will be able to hire 69 workers who will be able to help 73,00 additional clients get coverage through the exchange, an expanded Medicaid program or other options.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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