The open enrollment period for Get Covered New Jersey began with record levels of financial assistance available to make health insurance more affordable. Most people receiving financial assistance will access a health plan at a cost of $10 a month or less.
According to a NJ government press release, the period which began November 1 will allow that nine out of 10 residents enrolling at Get Covered New Jersey (GetCovered.NJ.gov) will qualify for financial help to lower the cost of quality, affordable health coverage. This is possible due to historic savings that remains available for 2022 from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the State of New Jersey.
All plans cover preventive services, emergency services, prescription drugs, and prenatal and pediatric care, and more, and no one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
These are the dates
The Open Enrollment Period for 2022 coverage at Get Covered New Jersey will run from November 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022. Consumers must enroll by December 31, 2021 for coverage starting January 1, 2022. In case consumers enroll by January 31, 2022, it will begin February 1, 2022.
Open enrollment is here! New Jersey & the federal government are offering records levels of financial help to lower health plans costs. 9 in 10 enrolling qualify for assistance, & many can find a plan for $10/month or less. Shop & compare health plans now:https://t.co/7qv5EMxPME pic.twitter.com/jQjn9NySVf
— GetCoveredNJ (@GetCoveredNJ) November 1, 2021
Open Enrollment is the only time of year residents can enroll in a plan, unless they have a major life event, such as getting married, moving or having a baby that qualifies them for a Special Enrollment Period.
A basic human right
“Our administration continues to be guided by our belief that health care is a basic human right. We opened our own health insurance marketplace, following attacks on health care by the former federal administration, to improve access to coverage and care,” said Gov. Phil Murphy.
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“With the expanded financial help available, we want to ensure as many people as possible get covered. We encourage residents in need of health insurance to prepare for the start of open enrollment, and to spread the word to family and friends who may need coverage,” added the Democratic governor.
Operated by the Department of Banking and Insurance, Get Covered New Jersey is the state’s official health insurance marketplace, providing New Jerseyans with access to quality, affordable health insurance options for themselves and their families.
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Marketplace offering
New Jersey transitioned from the federal health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov, to its own marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey, last year. As a result of operating its own marketplace, the state is able to offer a longer Open Enrollment Period, state subsidies to lower costs in addition to available federal tax credits, a strengthened assister network providing free enrollment assistance to residents, and an experience tailored for New Jersey residents.
“There are also more organizations available this year to provide free, unbiased support to anyone who needs help enrolling in a plan,” said Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride.
For 2022, consumers will have more plan choices with the entry of a new health insurance company selling plans through Get Covered New Jersey, bringing to four the number of carriers offering plans on the marketplace.