Open enrollment period for Get Covered New Jersey with new program to make coverage more affordable
Governor Phil Murphy kicked off last week 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, six weeks longer than last year.
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. Despite attacks on the Affordable Care Act and drastic cuts to programs at the federal level that have harmed access to health coverage, New Jersey is improving access and making coverage more affordable. New state subsidies are available this year under a law signed by Governor Murphy, resulting in more financial help than ever before to lower the cost of health insurance for those who qualify under the ACA income thresholds. 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, 2020 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.
