Over 397,000 Secure Health Insurance via Get Covered New Jersey

In an unprecedented surge, New Jersey's health insurance enrollment jumps by 61% under the Murphy Administration, signaling enhanced access to affordable healthcare.

NEW JERSEY STATE— Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Banking and Insurance Acting Commissioner Justin Zimmerman unveiled that a staggering 397,000 New Jersey residents enrolled for health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey during the recent Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period. This achievement not only sets a new record for the state but also marks a significant milestone in New Jersey's health insurance landscape, reflecting a robust 61% increase since the inception of the state-operated health insurance exchange under the Murphy Administration.

“This year’s record-breaking Open Enrollment Period means that more New Jerseyans than ever before have access to quality, affordable health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

The surge to 397,942 sign-ups from November 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, eclipses all previous records, showcasing a determined effort by the state to expand healthcare accessibility and affordability. Notably, this period witnessed over 100,919 new consumers alongside 60,592 existing ones actively choosing their plans, a testament to the state's proactive measures in enhancing the marketplace's reach and impact.

Acting Commissioner Zimmerman highlighted the tailored approach New Jersey has adopted in refining its health insurance marketplace to meet the specific needs of its residents. The introduction of state subsidies, alongside expanded federal tax credits, has broadened the spectrum of affordable healthcare options available to New Jerseyans. 

“Residents have access to expanded plan options with record savings through Get Covered New Jersey thanks to dedicated state funding and expanded federal tax credits," Acting Commissioner Zimmerman noted, emphasizing the critical role of these financial aids in making health insurance more accessible.

The administration's strategic expansions and enhancements—ranging from extending the Open Enrollment Period to increasing the number of health carriers and doubling down on community outreach—have significantly contributed to this success. Investments in local Navigator programs, which offer free, unbiased enrollment assistance, have also played a crucial role, with funding increasing more than tenfold compared to allocations under the previous federal administration.

For New Jersey residents, this enrollment period not only represented an opportunity to secure health insurance but also to benefit from the comprehensive coverage that encompasses essential health benefits. Moreover, the state continues to enforce a health coverage mandate, emphasizing the importance of maintaining health insurance and the potential penalties for non-compliance.

As the state celebrates this milestone, it remains committed to ensuring that all New Jerseyans, especially those experiencing qualifying life events or those within certain income thresholds, have ongoing access to health insurance options through Get Covered New Jersey. The state's health insurance marketplace stands as a beacon of progress and a model for enhancing healthcare accessibility and affordability across New Jersey.