New Jersey Health Insurance Guide

Health Insurance Overview in New Jersey

New Jersey operates Get Covered NJ, a state-based marketplace. New Jersey expanded Medicaid in 2014 and has restored its own individual mandate (with state penalty) after the federal mandate was zeroed out. New Jersey also provides additional state subsidies beyond federal ACA subsidies, making coverage more affordable for middle-income residents. New Jersey has a highly competitive marketplace.

Average Health Insurance Costs in New Jersey

Marketplace Enrollment in New Jersey

New Jersey residents can enroll in individual and family health insurance plans through Get Covered NJ (State-Based). Open enrollment runs November 1 – January 31 (Get Covered NJ — extended deadline).

Average Premiums by City in New Jersey

Medicaid in New Jersey

NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey Medicaid) covers adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. New Jersey has a strong Medicaid program with comprehensive benefits.

Children's Health Insurance (CHIP) in New Jersey

NJ FamilyCare covers children under 19 in families with incomes up to 350% of the federal poverty level.

What Makes New Jersey Unique

New Jersey restored its individual health insurance mandate in 2019 — one of a handful of states to do so after the federal mandate was effectively eliminated. New Jersey also provides state-funded subsidies for residents with incomes up to 600% of the federal poverty level, making New Jersey one of the most supportive states for middle-income marketplace enrollees.

ACA Subsidies: What New Jersey Residents Should Know

The enhanced subsidies first enacted in the American Rescue Plan expired at the end of 2025. For 2026, premium tax credits follow the original ACA rules: there is no credit above 400% (the “subsidy cliff”), and enrollees are expected to pay up to 9.96% of income toward the benchmark Silver plan. House in January 2026 but has not become law, so 2027 plans are being priced and subsidized under the same rules unless Congress acts.

New Jersey’s Marketplace for 2027: Insurers, Rates, and Dates

New Jersey residents enroll through Get Covered New Jersey. Full-price premiums rose about 16.6% on average for 2026, before subsidies. 5 insurers sold plans for 2026. Proposed 2027 changes average about 20.4% before subsidies.

About 509,000 people enrolled for 2026. About 80% received premium tax credits, and the average net premium after credits was about $277 a month.

Open enrollment for 2027: November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027.

What’s Different About Health Coverage in New Jersey

New Jersey adds its own help, New Jersey Health Plan Savings, for households up to 600% FPL — one of the few places with state assistance above the federal 400% cliff. New Jersey also keeps a state individual mandate, with a penalty on the state tax return for going uninsured without an exemption. Pregnancy is a qualifying event, and Easy Enrollment works through the state tax return.

Tips for Choosing Health Insurance in New Jersey

New Jersey residents should enroll through GetCoveredNJ.gov to access state subsidies for incomes up to 600% of the federal poverty level. New Jersey's extended open enrollment (through January 31) provides additional time. Note New Jersey's individual mandate — uninsured residents may owe a state penalty. Medicaid covers low-income adults.

• Enroll during open enrollment (November 1 – January 31 (Get Covered NJ — extended deadline)) — missing the deadline means waiting until the next open enrollment unless you have a qualifying life event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many insurers sell marketplace plans in New Jersey?

Five insurers sold New Jersey marketplace plans for 2026, with proposed 2027 changes averaging about 20.4% before subsidies.

When is open enrollment in New Jersey for 2027?

November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027.

How much do New Jersey marketplace enrollees pay after subsidies?

In 2026 about 80% of New Jersey enrollees received premium tax credits, and the average net premium was about $277 a month. There is no credit above 400% of the federal poverty level.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and program eligibility rules as of 2026. Health insurance premiums, Medicaid eligibility thresholds, marketplace options, and program rules change annually. Always verify current eligibility and enrollment options at the official Get Covered NJ (State-Based) or by contacting a certified navigator or broker. Premium figures shown are approximations before subsidies — actual net premiums depend on individual income, household size, and plan selection.