TRENTON — -- Inaction by the Trump Administration and Congress to extend federal enhanced premium tax credits for consumers purchasing coverage through health insurance marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act has resulted in nearly 14% of those initially enrolled in health plans through Get Covered New Jersey to drop their coverage. As of April 15, 2026, total enrollment on the State Exchange stood at 440,362 – reflecting a net loss of 68,830 enrollees since the end of Open Enrollment. Get Covered New Jersey, the State’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace, ended Open Enrollment for the 2026 plan year on January 31, with enrollment at 509,192, down slightly from the 513,217 enrolled for the 2025 plan year. However, as this year’s premiums came due, like many states across the country, New Jersey has seen tens of thousands of enrollees lose their 2026 coverage due to nonpayment of the higher premiums.
“Across the board, we are seeing costs skyrocket for New Jersey families as a direct result of the federal government’s mismanagement. While New Jersey is committed to addressing health care costs, Washington has chosen to drive up health insurance prices, resulting in more New Jerseyans losing coverage. These decisions have real consequences for our communities,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.
“We are seeing the heartbreaking consequences of the federal government’s failure to extend the enhanced premium tax credits for tens of thousands across the Garden State,” said Acting Commissioner Susan Ochs. “These individuals and families will now be at risk of forgoing important preventative care and left to rely on costly emergency services that they may not be able to afford.”
Among those who are covered, many New Jerseyans have chosen to “buy down” from Silver plans to Bronze plans that have lower premiums but much higher out-of-pocket costs. The Marketplace plans offered through Get Covered New Jersey are categorized into three types (or “metal levels”): Bronze, Silver, and Gold. In plan year 2025, approximately 83% of the enrollees who actively shopped for a plan enrolled in a Silver plan, compared to plan year 2026 where active Silver selections fell to 68%. Active Bronze selections increased from 16% for plan year 2025 to 31% for plan year 2026. The percentage of consumers receiving financial help to pay $10 a month or less for coverage fell from 48% for the 2025 plan year to 11% for plan year 2026.
Additional changes proposed by the federal government, if enacted, would create further barriers to enrollment and push residents to inadequate coverage, Acting Commissioner Ochs said, noting that the Department, in addition to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, had submitted a comment letter in response to a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The proposed rule is in addition to the federally imposed change to shorten the annual Open Enrollment Period for coverage to nine weeks for upcoming years. Consumers enrolling in coverage through Get Covered New Jersey previously had three months to enroll.
Get Covered New Jersey remains the only place where consumers can access state and federal financial help to lower the cost of monthly premiums. Eight in 10 people enrolling in a health plan at Get Covered New Jersey qualify for financial help. Get Covered New Jersey continues to offer comprehensive coverage with health plans that 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. While the Open Enrollment period has now closed, residents can still enroll and receive financial help if they experienced a major life event, such as marriage, pregnancy, or a move that qualifies them for a Special Enrollment Period.
Federal and state subsidies remain available for those who qualify. New Jersey has made available state subsidies, called NJ Health Plan Savings, to qualifying residents with household incomes up to 600% of the Federal Poverty Level. In 2026, an individual with an income of up to $93,900 and a family of four who makes up to $192,900 can receive state subsidies to lower the costs of health coverage. From plan year 2021 to plan year 2026, New Jersey has invested over $1 billion in state support for Get Covered New Jersey consumers.
ABOUT GET COVERED NEW JERSEY
Get Covered New Jersey is the State’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace, operated by the New Jersey 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. Get Covered New Jersey was established by state law and created by New Jersey, for New Jersey. For more information, visit GetCovered.NJ.gov. |
