Source: Cape May County Herald
The 2021 enrollment period for Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, begins this week.
Get Covered New Jersey provides a one-stop-shop for health insurance for residents who do not have coverage from an employer or other program. It is the only place residents can get financial help to purchase a plan.
Residents in need of health coverage for plan year 2021, or with coverage through Healthcare.gov who want to change their health plans, will be able to shop for and enroll in a health insurance plan through GetCovered.NJ.gov. Residents currently enrolled in a health plan through Healthcare.gov will be automatically transitioned to Get Covered New Jersey.
New Jersey residents will no longer use HealthCare.gov to enroll in marketplace health insurance plans. Instead, marketplace plans and financial help will only be available through Get Covered New Jersey, at GetCovered.NJ.gov.
New state subsidies are available this year under a law signed by Murphy, resulting in more financial help than ever before to lower the cost of health insurance for those who qualify under the ACA income thresholds. Nearly eight in 10 people purchasing coverage on Get Covered New Jersey will qualify for state subsidies.
The new state subsidy – called New Jersey Health Plan Savings – will be available to residents with incomes up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (individuals with incomes up to $51,040 a year or for a family of four with an income up to $104,800) in addition to the federal tax credits. The subsidies will help reduce premiums for new enrollees, and those with existing health plans through the federal marketplace. The subsidies will start lowering premiums for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2021 or after.
“With the Affordable Care Act under threat in Washington, it is important that we act at the state level to protect access to quality care that is affordable,” stated Sen. Joe Vitale (D-19th), chairman of the Senate Health Committee. “The health and safety of New Jerseyans is even more critical during this pandemic. This program, particularly the state-based exchange for health benefits plans, will go a long way in ensuring our state can offer affordable health care to all of our residents.”
Residents shopping for health insurance on Get Covered New Jersey must enroll by Dec. 31 2020 for their coverage to start Jan. 1, 2021. Coverage will become effective Feb. 1, 2021, for those who enroll by Jan. 31.
In New Jersey, there remains a requirement to have health coverage. Residents who do not qualify for an exemption from the Shared Responsibility Payment Act will pay a penalty at tax time.