Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) put in place comprehensive health insurance reforms. Some of these reforms are focused on health insurance companies and mandates for coverage, many of which have already been implemented. Another component of the ACA requires that Americans purchase health insurance coverage. 

GetCoveredNJ is New Jersey’s official health insurance Marketplace and is focused on increasing access to affordable, high-quality health insurance for residents of New Jersey. Here you can find quality, affordable health insurance for you and your family. You can browse health plans and check if you may qualify for financial help.

To shop for health insurance on GetCoveredNJ you:

• Must live in the United States and have a primary residence in New Jersey
• Must be considered a resident of the United States and New Jersey for tax purposes
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national. If you are a non-citizen, you must be lawfully present in the U.S. for the entire time you plan to have health coverage
• Cannot be currently incarcerated

You can apply for coverage online. GetCoveredNJ has a network of trained professionals called navigators who can help you enroll at no cost. You can also get help over the phone.

Still need coverage?
Open enrollment is typically November 1 – January 31, but special enrollment periods can open after certain life-changing events such as getting married, moving to a new coverage area, or losing job-based health coverage. Learn more about special enrollment periods and eligible life-changing events.

One of the things that people express concern about when the subject of health insurance comes up, is the cost. Some relief may be in sight.

When applying through GetCoveredNJ, you may qualify for three types of financial assistance based on your income: premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, and NJ Health Plan Savings. Premium tax credits and the state subsidy help lower your monthly premium payments. Cost-sharing reductions help lower your out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and co-pays for doctor visits. See if you qualify to receive financial help.

If you are currently enrolled in a Marketplace place, GetCoveredNJ will take steps to enroll you in a similar plan for next year. To see your health plan for next year or to pick a new plan, you will need to use the GetCoveredNJ Marketplace.

Enrollment during any other time of year is only permitted under the following circumstances:

• If you are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Programs) you can enroll at any time of year, within 60 days of the time, you became eligible.
• If you are eligible to participate in a special enrollment period you can apply at a time that is outside of the open enrollment period, within 60 days of the time, you became eligible. To qualify for the special enrollment you must have had a qualifying life event (like getting married, having a baby, moving to a new area, or losing other health coverage) or have had a complex situation related to applying for coverage.

If you are looking for someone who will personally walk you through the enrollment process consider the following resources.

• Navigators and their assistants - These professionals have completed comprehensive training and can provide free assistance in person and remotely. 
• Agents and Brokers - Licensed agents and brokers may assist in the application process as well. These professionals can assist consumers in the Marketplace but must first complete a two-part registration process. Agents and brokers are compensated by health insurance issuers for assisting consumers.
• You can also search in our database for navigators and counselors who will provide free help to you.

Health Insurance Explained - The YouToons Have it Covered
This video explains health insurance concepts, such as premiums, deductibles, and provider networks, in a light-hearted way. This video also reviews how individuals pay for coverage, how prescription coverage works, and the variety of healthcare coverage that is available.