Murphy announces record-high health coverage enrollment, new effort to expand health care affordability

Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) and Marlene Caride, New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance commissioner, announced yesterday that a record-high number of New Jerseyans have signed up for health coverage among the state's efforts to expand affordability, according to a press release.

More than 324,000 state residents have signed up for health care through Get Covered New Jersey during the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period so far, according to the release. This is a 20 percent increase from last year as residents were able to further benefit from increased affordability from extended federal and state financial aid.

Murphy’s administration also introduced the new Expanded Access initiative yesterday, which allows for eligible state residents to continue to enroll in health coverage for free or at a reduced cost through Get Covered New Jersey.

The new Expanded Access Special Enrollment Period allows residents with an annual household income of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level — $25,760 for an individual and $53,000 for a family of four — to sign up for a health plan, according to the release.

“We continue to take actions based on our belief that health care is a right, not a privilege, and this new effort builds on the work we have done during our administration,” Murphy said. “By extending access to free or nearly free coverage to more New Jerseyans throughout the year, we will make health insurance more affordable and ensure residents can get the health care they need and deserve.”    

Open enrollment for residents to sign up takes place from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, 2023, which is the only time that residents without health insurance through an employer or other program can enroll unless they have a qualifying life event, including pregnancy, marriage or the loss of health coverage, according to the release.

Nine of the 10 state residents signed up at Get Covered New Jersey now are eligible for financial aid to make health insurance more affordable, and most people who receive the financial aid have access to a health plan at no more than $10 per month.

“New Jersey has taken steps to maximize financial support so residents can find more assistance than ever before through the state’s health insurance marketplace,” Caride said. “This new Special Enrollment Period is a major step forward in our effort to promote health equity and continue to expand health care affordability and access for our residents.”