Individual Health Coverage Program (IHC Program)
 
Contact Information
Ellen DeRosa
609-633-1882 x50302
e-mail
Additional Contact: Chanell McDevitt, 609-633-1882 x50306

Individual Health Coverage Program Board
20 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Web site
 
Hours of Service
9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
 
How to Apply

Contact insurance carrier directly.

 
Parent Organization
Department of Banking and Insurance
20 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08625
Web site
 
Program Description
A source of information about the individual health insurance market in New Jersey.  The IHC Program does not issue health insurance coverage, nor does it subsidize health insurance coverage.  The IHC Program and Board are responsible for regulating the conduct of insurance companies that sell individual health insurance coverage.  The Program also produces information to assist consumers in shopping for health insurance coverage from insurance companies.
 
Fees
None to apply, but individual would be responsible for paying insurance premiums for coverage (which the state does not subsidize)
 

Eligibility
General Requirements:
NJ residents who are not eligible for coverage under a group health plan, a governmental plan, a church plan and who are not eligible for Medicare.
 
Income Requirements:
Ability to afford premium in the commercial insurance market. The cost of this coverage is not subsidized by the State.
 
Areas Served
All of New Jersey
 
Language Translation Services
English
 
Further Information
In 1992, the Legislature created two programs (the Individual Health Coverage Program and the Small Employer Health Benefits Program) to guarantee access to health coverage for individuals and small employers (2-50 full-time employees), regardless of health status, age, claims history or any other risk factor. The Boards of Directors of each program have created standard health benefits plans that insurance carriers are required to offer. Carriers must offer these plans on a guaranteed issuance/guaranteed renewal basis; i.e., an eligible individual or small employer can never be denied coverage or renewal. The Boards regulate carriers and the individual and small employer markets.
 
Program Web Site Address
http://www.nj.gov/dobi/reform.htm