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NJ DOBI Announces Extended Enrollment Period for Those Losing NJ FamilyCare Coverage
Get Covered New Jersey Aims to Facilitate Seamless Transition and Prevent Gaps in Coverage.
MORRISTOWN, NJ — Commissioner Marlene Caride of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance announced today the establishment of an extended Special Enrollment Period for residents losing eligibility for NJ FamilyCare. This new provision is designed to facilitate the transition for these individuals to Get Covered New Jersey, the state's Official Health Insurance Marketplace.
Starting April 1, the Department of Human Services has recommenced eligibility reviews for NJ FamilyCare. This will lead to the dis-enrollment of some individuals whose income surpasses the program's eligibility threshold. However, these individuals may qualify for health coverage through Get Covered New Jersey and may be eligible for premium assistance.
Commissioner Caride stated, “By establishing this Special Enrollment Period, we can work to reduce the chances that individuals who now qualify for plans through Get Covered New Jersey experience a gap in coverage.”
Under a recent omnibus spending bill, states are required to resume normal operations and eligibility reviews. This move signifies the largest health coverage transition event since the Affordable Care Act's initial open enrollment period.
Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman applauded the move, adding, "This will help individuals whose incomes are too high to remain eligible for NJ FamilyCare to transition to a new health care plan without any gaps in coverage."
NJ FamilyCare is urging members to confirm or update their contact information to facilitate communication about their healthcare coverage. Members determined ineligible based on income will be automatically transferred to GetCoveredNJ, where they can access their account and check their eligibility for financial help and health insurance enrollment.
In order to accommodate those losing eligibility for NJ FamilyCare, the Department has extended the Special Enrollment Period from 60 to 120 days, providing flexibility and streamlining the transition between programs.
Get Covered New Jersey serves as the one-stop-shop for residents seeking affordable health insurance outside of their employers or other healthcare programs. In 2023, due to significant savings from the federal and state government, many individuals will have access to a health plan at a cost of $10 a month or less.
The Department advises consumers to apply for coverage through GetCoveredNJ only after they have received notification from NJ FamilyCare about their ineligibility. Residents can find free local assistance on the Get Covered New Jersey website, browse plans, and check their qualifications for financial help with the Shop and Compare Tool.
All plans sold through Get Covered New Jersey meet the high standards of the Affordable Care Act, offering comprehensive coverage and ensuring no denial due to a pre-existing condition. The Department further cautions residents about limited coverage plans which may not cover basic services and pre-existing conditions.
For more information about Get Covered New Jersey and NJ FamilyCare eligibility reviews, residents can visit GetCovered.NJ.gov and www.nj.gov/StayCoveredNJ.
