TRENTON — New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Justin Zimmerman is reminding New Jerseyans without health insurance that they can connect with quality, affordable coverage through Get Covered New Jersey when they file their 2024 State Income Tax return.
Health plans offered through Get Covered New Jersey, the State’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace, cover preventive services, emergency services, prescription drugs, prenatal and pediatric care, and more. No one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. New Jerseyans can take advantage of record levels of state and federal financial help to lower their monthly premium. Nine in 10 people qualify for financial help, and many can find a plan for $10 a month or less.
Through the New Jersey Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program, residents without health insurance can indicate their interest in health coverage for themselves or a household member when filing their tax return and they can then complete the NJ-EZ Enroll Form to connect to the Marketplace. After the Department receives referral information from the Department of Treasury’s Division of Taxation, Get Covered New Jersey will send consumers a welcome notice by mail or email with a unique access code that allows them to access their account, find out if they qualify for financial help, and enroll in health insurance.
“Record numbers of residents have enrolled in coverage through Get Covered New Jersey for this plan year, and the Easy Enrollment program provides additional access for New Jerseyans to obtain quality, affordable health coverage,” said Commissioner Zimmerman. “Improving access to health coverage has been a key priority for the Murphy Administration. Although the Open Enrollment Period has ended, residents may still qualify for coverage through this special enrollment opportunity by indicating their interest in coverage when filing their State Income Tax return. Get Covered New Jersey will reach out and provide the information necessary to help consumers enroll.”
The Open Enrollment Period for Get Covered New Jersey happens once a year, from November 1 through January 31. It is typically the only time residents without health insurance through an employer, or other program such as Medicaid or Medicare, can enroll in coverage unless they have a qualifying life event, indicate on their tax returns that they are interested in the New Jersey Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program, or meet certain income levels. The Expanded Access Special Enrollment Period allows qualifying consumers with an annual household income of up to 200% of the federal poverty level (up to $30,120 for an individual or $62,400 for a family of four) to enroll in free or nearly free health coverage through GetCovered.NJ.gov throughout the year.
Open enrollment for the 2025 coverage year recently ended on January 31, with a historic enrollment of over 513,000 residents.
The Department of Banking and Insurance is also working with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to streamline access to Get Covered New Jersey for individuals filing unemployment claims.
Governor Murphy signed legislation in 2022 that created the New Jersey Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program to make it easier for residents to obtain health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey.
In New Jersey, there remains a requirement to have health coverage. The Shared Responsibility Payment, which New Jersey taxpayers are required to pay if they are uninsured, will be waived by the Department of Treasury for any individual who enrolls and maintains coverage. The taxpayer must maintain coverage following enrollment to avoid being responsible for the Shared Responsibility Payment.
ABOUT GET COVERED NEW JERSEY
Get Covered New Jersey is the state’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace, operated by the Department of Banking and Insurance, where New Jerseyans can find quality affordable insurance from private health insurance companies. Get Covered New Jersey is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial help to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that best fits their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for low-cost or free coverage from NJ FamilyCare. It was established by state law and created by New Jersey, for New Jersey. For more information about Get Covered New Jersey, please visit GetCovered.NJ.gov |
