It's open enrollment season! In New Jersey, the open enrollment period begins November 1, 2020 and runs through January 31, 2021. This time period has been extended to last six weeks longer than it did last year.
Similar to years past, navigators will be available to help in picking out the best plan for you. However, this year instead of navigators setting up in libraries, hospitals, and community centers, they will be assisting you virtually. Navigators are funded by the federal government and help the public sign up for plans in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. They walk you through your various options and have no financial stake in the choices you make.
If you don't wish to use a navigator, you can also shop for plans on your own. Starting this year, New Jersey residents will no longer use healthcare.gov to enroll in marketplace health insurance plans. Marketplace plans and financial assistance will now only be available through Get Covered New Jersey at getcovered.nj.gov.
New Jersey has established its own Marketplace to better secure access to health care for New Jersey Residents. The state has been working to improve access and make coverage more affordable. This year, new state subsidies will result in more financial help than ever before for those who qualify under the Affordable Care Act income thresholds.
Get Covered New Jersey provides full service for residents seeking health insurance who do not receive coverage from an employer or other program. If you need a health coverage plan for 2021, or have current coverage through healthcare.gov that you wish to change, you will shop and enroll through getcovered.nj.gov. The same health insurance companies that offer plans through Healthcare.gov will now also participate in Get Covered New Jersey. Residents who are currently enrolled 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 Dec. 31, 2020 for their coverage to start on Jan. 1, 2021. Coverage will become effective Feb. 1, 2020 for those who enroll by Jan. 31, 2020. In New Jersey, there is a requirement of health coverage. Residents who do not qualify for exemption will face a penalty during tax season.
Get Covered New Jersey provides residents with access to quality, affordable health insurance options for themselves and their families. All plans offered cover the 10 essential health benefits required under the Affordable Care Act and no one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
Millions of Americans who lost their jobs during the pandemic have been able to keep their insurance because of the Affordable Care Act. Visit getcovered.nj.gov to begin browsing today.