UPDATE: The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for everyone to have quality, affordable health insurance. As part of its overall response to the coronavirus pandemic, the state of New Jersey opened a COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Jerseyans to enroll in a health plan until May 15, 2021. All eligible uninsured residents can enroll now, and coverage will start on the first day of the month following your plan selection.
Certain events such as pregnancy, having a baby, or adoption also qualify residents for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and allow enrollment in coverage with an earlier effective date. SEPs also allow current enrollees to make plan changes.
On November 1st, New Jersey launched the state’s official health insurance marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey, to provide improved access to health coverage for all New Jersey residents. New Jerseyans will no longer use Healthcare.gov to shop for health insurance. Instead, they will now shop at GetCovered.NJ.gov. The State of New Jersey recently created a new program to provide additional financial help to residents to lower the cost of health coverage. Nearly 8 out of 10 New Jersey residents will qualify for these cost saving options that significantly reduce the cost of quality health insurance.
Need Health Insurance? Open Enrollment is here and New Jersey now has its own health insurance marketplace where residents can shop for quality, affordable health coverage. Starting with this year’s Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period for 2021 coverage, which began November 1, 2020, New Jersey residents will no longer use HealthCare.gov to enroll in Marketplace health insurance plans. Instead, Marketplace plans and financial help are only available through Get Covered New Jersey at getcovered.nj.gov Get Covered New Jersey was created by New Jersey, for New Jersey – and it could not come at a better time. It is the state’s official health insurance marketplace, offering more financial help than ever before to lower the cost of coverage, more local experts and a longer open enrollment period. This is the one time a year to browse and compare health plans and choose the one that’s best for you and your family. If you don’t act now, you’ll need to wait another year before you’re able to enroll in health coverage again. New financial help is available to help lower costs even more this year. A family of four with an annual income of up to about $104,800 and an individual earning up to about $51,040 a year can qualify for financial help. The estimated average subsidy for an individual with an income up to $51,040 is projected to be at least $578 a year, and at least $2,313 a year for a family of four with an annual income up to $104,800.Visit GetCovered.NJ.gov to browse plans and see if you may qualify for financial help. It takes just a few minutes to browse plans, and it’s free!
If you need health insurance, check out your options today. If you know someone who needs health insurance, spread the word. With more financial help available than ever before, there’s no reason to delay. Visit GetCovered.NJ.gov to learn more, to find a trained assister that can provide in-person help, and enroll in health insurance that fits your life.
Open Enrollment Has Been Extended to May 15, 2021.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When can I enroll?
The Open Enrollment Period was held November 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021. Open Enrollment is once each year and is typically the only time you can enroll in coverage, unless you experience a major life event.
As part of its overall response to the coronavirus pandemic, the state of New Jersey opened a COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Jerseyans to enroll in a health plan until May 15, 2021. All eligible uninsured residents can enroll now, and coverage will start on the first day of the month following your plan selection.
Certain events such as pregnancy, having a baby, or adoption also qualify residents for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) and allow enrollment in coverage with an earlier effective date. SEPs also allow current enrollees to make plan changes.
Additional information may be found on the COVID-19 page.
How much will insurance cost and can I really afford it?
You may qualify for financial help to lower the cost of your plan. Nearly 8 out of 10 New Jersey residents purchasing on the Marketplace will receive financial help to pay for their plan. Plans and prices change every year, so it’s important to check out your options to ensure you find the plan that fits your needs and your budget. This year, there is more financial help available than ever before.
Is financial assistance available to help lower the cost of my plan?
In New Jersey, a family of four earning up to about $104,800 a year and an individual earning up to about $51,040 a year can qualify for federal tax credits and new state subsidies to lower the cost of their plan. The estimated average subsidy for an individual with an income up to $51,040 is projected to be at least $578 a year, and at least $2,313 a year for a family of four with an annual income up to $104,800. Visit GetCovered.NJ.gov to browse plans and see if you may qualify for financial help. It takes just a few minutes to browse plans, and it’s free!
Why is there still a penalty for not having health insurance in New Jersey?
New Jersey is committed to making sure health insurance is available and affordable to all residents. To help with this, the state requires New Jersey residents to have health coverage or pay a tax penalty. Making sure all residents have health coverage helps ensure there are more health plans available for consumers to pick from, that premiums remain affordable, and that comprehensive coverage is available for all who need it – including people with pre-existing conditions. Any funds from this penalty collected by the state are dedicated to reducing the cost of health insurance for individuals.
I want to protect my family — I’m ready to enroll in coverage but still have questions. Where can I find help?
Free help is available to find a health insurance plan that’s right for you. You can find a trained assister in your community to talk about your health insurance options and get help enrolling, or get help remotely at https://nj.gov/getcoverednj/