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. Full story in Star Ledger.