New Jersey Boosts Enrollment Support as Health Insurance Subsidies Face Federal Cuts

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is intensifying outreach efforts to assist residents with enrolling in health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey, the state's official health insurance marketplace. With the Open Enrollment period running from November 1 to January 31, the department is hosting events in malls and supermarkets, staffed by trained navigators ready to help residents find affordable coverage. Enrolling by December 31 ensures coverage starting January 1, while January enrollees will have coverage starting February 1. Get Covered New Jersey serves individuals and families without employer-provided insurance or coverage through Medicaid or Medicare. It is the sole source of financial assistance for health insurance premiums, with eight in ten enrollees qualifying for subsidies. The program has seen significant growth, reaching a record 513,217 enrollees in 2025, marking a 108% increase since its 2020 launch. The department has allocated $5 million in grants to 30 community organizations acting as navigators to provide year-round enrollment support and outreach. Besides navigators, licensed brokers certified by Get Covered New Jersey provide additional consumer assistance to help individuals compare plans and make informed choices. Federal enhanced premium tax credits that have made health insurance more affordable are set to expire at the end of 2025 due to Congress not extending them. This expiration is expected to result in premium increases for approximately 466,000 New Jersey residents, or 91% of marketplace consumers, and a loss of over $500 million in federal subsidies to the state. Despite this, New Jersey plans to continue offering its state subsidy program, projected to distribute $215 million in 2026 to make coverage more affordable. Health plans available through Get Covered New Jersey include coverage for preventive care, emergency services, prescription medications, and prenatal and pediatric care. Importantly, coverage cannot be denied based on pre-existing conditions. Commissioner Justin Zimmerman urges residents to take advantage of the available free assistance from navigators and brokers and to enroll early to secure coverage at the start of the year. The department remains prepared to respond if federal premium tax credits are extended in the future.