New Jersey: @GetCoveredNJ reports 252K QHPs so far; reminds residents of 1/31 enrollment deadline

via Get Covered NJ:

As Open Enrollment Deadline Nears, Residents Urged to Sign Up for Health Insurance at Get Covered New Jersey

• ​8 in 10 Qualify For Financial Help to Lower Costs

TRENTON – As the Open Enrollment deadline nears, Governor Phil Murphy, Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride, and state legislators today urged residents in need of health insurance for 2021 to sign up for a plan at Get Covered New Jersey.

Open enrollment for the state’s official health insurance marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey ends January 31, 2021. Commissioner Caride reminded New Jerseyans that open enrollment is the only time during the year when residents can enroll in coverage, unless they have a major life event that qualifies them for a Special Enrollment Period or they qualify for NJ FamilyCare. With nearly two weeks left in open enrollment, now is the time to visit Get Covered New Jersey to shop for quality, affordable health insurance and to enroll in a plan by the January 31, 2021 deadline.

“New Jersey has taken important steps to provide access to quality, affordable health insurance to our residents and more financial help for those who qualify under the Affordable Care Act, but time is running out,” said Governor Murphy. “With the end of the Open Enrollment Period for health insurance approaching, we are asking those who still need coverage to make it a priority to sign up for a health plan in the next two weeks.”

“Residents in need of health insurance for 2021 are encouraged to go to Get Covered New Jersey to find a plan that best fits their needs,” said Commissioner Caride. “This year there is more financial help than ever before and 8 in 10 enrolling will qualify for financial assistance to help lower the cost of a plan. Residents can also be assured that every plan offered on the marketplace meets the high standards of the Affordable Care Act. If you have not yet signed up for coverage, we urge you to visit Get Covered New Jersey to find a plan before the enrollment deadline.”

“We know that establishing a state health care exchange will streamline the process and work seamlessly for thousands of New Jerseyans,” said Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex), chair of the health committee and a sponsor of the enabling legislation. “There is nothing more important than a person’s health and well-being. I strongly urge all New Jerseyans who are eligible to take advantage of this new state-run marketplace. The website is user-friendly and will allow our residents to find the right plan for their health care needs.”

"Now more than ever making sure you and your family are signed up for healthcare coverage is critical. This year it is easier and more affordable through our new State-based exchange.  Residents can see what subsidies they qualify for and sign up for quality healthcare plans at GetCovered.NJ.gov,” said lead sponsor Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Bergen) of the bill that codified the new exchange.

“Get Covered New Jersey offers a variety of plans to residents who need health coverage,” said Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Essex, Morris). “Regardless of a family’s income or medical needs, our state’s health insurance marketplace has affordable options from which to choose. I encourage residents to visit this site before the upcoming deadline to find a plan that will benefit them.”

All plans available through Get Covered New Jersey provide comprehensive coverage, including free preventive care, and coverage for emergency services, prescription drugs, pregnancy, maternity and newborn care, as well as mental health and substance use disorder services. No one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

As of January 2nd, a total of 251,836 residents are signed up for 2021 health coverage at Get Covered New Jersey, including more than 50,000 new consumers; the total number signed up exceeds the number of residents who selected plans during open enrollment last year (246,426). Get Covered New Jersey worked with Healthcare.gov to transition consumers to the state and automatically continue coverage for eligible consumers; those consumers are included in the total number.

As noted in the press release, NJ is running around 2.2% ahead of last year on enrollment so far. Given that they split off of HealthCare.Gov onto their own exchange, that's pretty impressive their first time out.

New state subsidies under a law passed by legislators and signed by Governor Murphy, have resulted in more financial help than ever before to lower the cost of health insurance for those who qualify under the Affordable Care Act income thresholds. New Jerseyans whose annual income is up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level ($51,040 for an individual and $104,800 for a family of four) qualify for state subsidies in addition to the federal Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC). The amount of financial help received by qualifying residents who have selected a plan during open enrollment is about $484 a month on average, or about $5,803 for the year. The financial help amount includes $567 a year in savings from the state subsidy per person, on top of the federal Advanced Premium Tax Credit. The current average monthly premium for those receiving financial help is the lowest in years at $121 a month per person, down from $164 a month per person last year.

Open Enrollment ends January 31, 2021. Residents must have enrolled by December 31, 2020 for coverage beginning January 1, 2021. For those who enroll in January, coverage will start on February 1, 2021.

Residents can shop and compare plans, and see if they qualify for financial help at getcovered.nj.gov.

To get free help choosing a plan from a trained, certified assister, residents can go to Find Local Assistance on the Get Covered New Jersey website. Residents previously enrolled in a plan through healthcare.gov can find more information on accessing their account here.