New Jersey: @GetCoveredNJ reminds residents of 12/31 deadline for January coverage; 8 in 10 qualify for financial help. #GetCovered

via Get Covered NJ:

Final Days to Enroll in Health Insurance at Get Covered New Jersey for January 1st Coverage

• ​Residents Must Enroll by Dec. 31 for Coverage Beginning in the New Year; 8 in 10 Qualify For Financial Help

TRENTON – Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner Marlene Caride today reminded New Jersey residents that there are three days left to enroll in health coverage that starts on the first of the year. New Jersey residents can shop for quality, affordable health insurance at the state’s official health insurance marketplace, Get Covered New Jersey. Residents must select a plan by December 31, 2020 for coverage beginning January 1, 2021.

“As 2020 comes to an end, we urge residents still seeking health insurance to explore their options and enroll now to ensure coverage starting in the New Year,” said Commissioner Caride. “Free help is available from trained, certified assisters across the state to guide residents through the process, and there is more financial help available than ever before to lower the cost of a plan for those who qualify. If you have not signed up for 2021 coverage, visit Get Covered New Jersey now to find a plan that best fits your needs and budget.”

New state subsidies are available this year in New Jersey under a law signed by Governor Phil Murphy, resulting 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. About 8 in 10 consumers purchasing coverage at Get Covered New Jersey will qualify for financial assistance. 

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 $485 a month on average, or about $5,820 for the year. The financial help amount includes $556 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 $120 a month per person, down from $164 a month per person last year. 

All plans available through Get Covered New Jersey cover the 10 essential health benefits mandated by the Affordable Care Act, 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.

Get Covered New Jersey worked with Healthcare.gov to transition consumers to the state and automatically continue coverage for eligible consumers. Since plans and prices change each year, all consumers should review their options to ensure they get the best plan to meet their needs and budget.

Open Enrollment ends January 31, 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.