Open Enrollment for New State-Based Health Insurance Marketplace Runs November 1st to January 31st.
Residents Who Enroll in Health Insurance on Get Covered New Jersey by December 31st Will Start Coverage on Jan 1st.
Governor Phil Murphy today kicked off the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period for Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. The Open Enrollment Period begins November 1, 2020 and runs through January 31, 2021.
New Jersey residents will no longer use HealthCare.gov to enroll in Marketplace health insurance plans. Instead, Marketplace plans and financial help will only be available through Get Covered New Jersey at GetCovered.NJ.gov.
The state established its own Marketplace in order to secure better access to health care for New Jersey residents. New Jersey is improving access and making coverage more affordable. New state subsidies are available this year, resulting in more financial help to lower the cost of health insurance for those who qualify under the ACA income thresholds. Nearly eight in ten people purchasing coverage on Get Covered New Jersey will qualify for state subsidies.
Get Covered New Jersey provides a one-stop shop for health insurance for residents who do not have coverage from an employer or other program. It is the only place residents can get financial help to purchase a plan.
Residents in need of health coverage for plan year 2021, or with coverage through Healthcare.gov who want to change their health plans, will be able to shop for and enroll in a health insurance plan through GetCovered.NJ.gov. Residents currently enrolled in a health plan through Healthcare.gov will be automatically transitioned to Get Covered New Jersey.
Residents shopping for health insurance on Get Covered New Jersey must enroll by December 31, 2020 for their coverage to start on January 1, 2021. Coverage will become effective February 1, 2021 for those who enroll by January 31, 2020.
The new state subsidy – called New Jersey Health Plan Savings – will be available to residents with incomes up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (individuals with incomes up to $51,040 a year or for a family of four with an income up to $104,800) in addition to the federal tax credits. The subsidies will help reduce premiums for new enrollees, and those with existing health plans through the federal Marketplace. The subsidies will start lowering premiums for coverage that starts January 1, 2021, or after.
The State has expanded the Open Enrollment Period to three months from the six-week window available in recent years under the federal government, and is investing more in outreach and trained experts, called Navigators, who will provide unbiased enrollment help to residents at no cost. All Navigators will provide remote assistance.
Operated by the Department of Banking and Insurance, Get Covered New Jersey provides New Jerseyans with access to quality, affordable health insurance options for themselves and their families. All plans offered through GetCovered.NJ.gov cover the ten essential health benefits required under the ACA including preventive services, emergency services, prescription drugs, and prenatal and pediatric care, and no one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. The same health insurance companies that offered plans on Healthcare.gov will now participate with Get Covered New Jersey.
In New Jersey, there remains a requirement to have health coverage. Residents who do not qualify for an exemption from the Shared Responsibility Payment will pay a penalty at tax time.
The state will be implementing a statewide public awareness campaign to draw attention to the Open Enrollment Period, the new state-based Marketplace, and its benefits for residents. Residents can browse plans now and see if they may qualify for financial help, and find local assistance, at GetCovered.NJ.gov.
Read the full press release.