Health insurance enrollments in New Jersey during the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment period jumped 20% in 2022 when compared to 2021, according to Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) Commissioner Marlene Caride.
“New Jersey saw a record number of residents enroll in quality affordable health coverage during Open Enrollment as the Biden Administration and the state drastically increased financial help to expand access to affordable coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gov. Phil Murphy in a press statement.
Additionally, the pair highlighted an “Expanded Access” initiative which will allow residents at certain income levels to continue to enroll in free or nearly-free health coverages through Get Covered New Jersey.
Get Covered Expands Access
“We continue to take actions based on our belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and this new effort builds on the work we have done during our administration. By extending access to free or nearly free coverage to more New Jerseyans throughout the year, we will make health insurance more affordable and ensure residents can get the health care they need and deserve,” the governor noted.
Caride noted the state was invested in enrolling more people for health coverage, and highlighted the year-round aspects of the plan.
Offered Year Round
“New Jersey has taken steps maximize financial support so residents can find more assistance than ever before through the state’s health insurance marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey. This new Special Enrollment Period is a major step forward in our effort to promote health equity and continue to expand health care affordability and access for our residents,” she said.
All plans offered through Get Covered New Jersey cover preventive services, emergency services, prescription drugs, and prenatal and pediatric care.
Additionally, no one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
Record Enrollments
Total enrollments during the 2022 Open Enrollment Period reached 324,266 New Jersey residents, compared to 269,560 last year. The Open Enrollment period last forms Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 every year, and is typically the time residents without health insurance through a provider, Medicaid, or Medicare can enroll in coverage.
Murphy and Caride noted policy actions at the state and federal levels made it easier to extend coverage to additional New Jersey residents, and came in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of note, nine out of 10 residents enrolling via Get Covered New Jersey qualify for financial health, and the majority of people receiving the help have access to a plan for $10 a month or less.
