NJ Department of Banking and Insurance to Maintain Three-Month Open Enrollment Period for Get Covered New Jersey Despite Federal Efforts to Narrow Sign Up Window

TRENTON — The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance will continue to offer a three-month Open Enrollment Period for Get Covered New Jersey, the State’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace, maintaining this long-standing accessibility for individuals and families who rely on the program for their health insurance coverage.

In a bulletin issued today, the Department announced that Open Enrollment for the Marketplace’s 2027 Plan Year will run from November 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027.

A recent court decision restored the ability for States to set longer Open Enrollment periods, as New Jersey has offered historically, instead of the federally constricted nine-week enrollment timeframe. The Trump Administration’s Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Marketplace “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability Final Rule” had mandated a maximum of a nine-week Open Enrollment Period for the 2027 plan year, but that has been blocked due to a legal challenge.

“The Trump Administration and Republican cuts to affordable healthcare have already resulted in over 74,000 New Jerseyans giving up their coverage.  We’re going to continue to fight for better healthcare for all of our residents, even as the Trump Administration undermines it,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “By maintaining a three-month enrollment window for Get Covered New Jersey, we are making it easier for more New Jerseyans to access high-quality health coverage at a time when federal policies are driving up costs and creating unnecessary barriers that make it harder for families to get and keep the care they need.”

“From its inception as a State-based exchange, Get Covered New Jersey has consistently offered a three-month enrollment window, allowing the maximum time and flexibility for residents to find quality health plans tailored to their needs. Despite federal efforts to make it more challenging, New Jersey is working to preserve access to comprehensive health coverage for our residents,” said Acting Commissioner Susan Ochs. “Get Covered New Jersey is here to help answer questions, offer support in comparing plans, and educate consumers about financial assistance available to help lower premiums.”

Open Enrollment is the only time of year residents can enroll in a plan, unless they have a major life event, such as marriage, pregnancy, or a move that qualifies them for a Special Enrollment Period. 

Federal Changes Reduce Enrollment and Increase Costs

Continued federal changes to Affordable Care Act marketplaces have hampered the accessibility and affordability of coverage available through Get Covered New Jersey, which offers insurance plans for New Jersey residents who do not have health coverage from their employers or access to other health care programs such as NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid) or Medicare.

The recent failure in Washington to extend the federal enhanced premium tax credit subsidy created a substantial increase in premium costs for many consumers, starting in Plan Year 2026. As a result, health insurance became out of reach for tens of thousands of New Jerseyans who dropped coverage.  As of June 30, total enrollment on the State Health Insurance Exchange was 434,700 – reflecting a net decrease of 74,492 enrollees since the end of Open Enrollment on January 31, 2026.

These federal changes will continue to negatively impact Plan Year 2027, creating higher costs for consumers at the same time nationwide trends show health care costs continuing to increase.

Health insurance carriers are in the process of finalizing rates for the individual markets in New Jersey, which includes Get Covered New Jersey. Similar to the rest of the nation, New Jersey will experience rate increases for 2027. Some of the reasons identified by carriers contributing to these increases are the continued rise in medical and prescription drug costs. Additionally, the expiration of enhanced federal premium subsidies both shrank and shifted the mix of the risk pool, which, as predicted, has driven premiums higher.

As it does each year, the Department is reviewing initial rate filings to ensure they are complete and in compliance with relevant laws. By law, rate filings in the individual and small employer markets are informational and not subject to prior approval by the Department. Following the compliance review, data on average rate increases are posted on the department's website.

NJ Continues Offering Support

Given the federal government’s actions to limit access to health insurance, the Sherrill Administration is renewing its focus to identify solutions to make health insurance more available to families.

Get Covered New Jersey offers financial help to qualifying residents to lower their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. State subsidies, called NJ Health Plan Savings, remain available to qualifying residents with household incomes up to 600% of the Federal Poverty Level. Initial federal subsidies, called advance premium tax credits, are still available as well. 

The Department understands that health insurance is a critical investment, and Get Covered New Jersey is here to help. Consumers can find a Navigator organization in their area who can help guide them through enrollment and compare coverage options and available financial help: www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/help/local/

In July, the Department announced $5 million in funding available for community organizations that apply to serve as Navigators, providing free enrollment assistance for consumers throughout New Jersey.  Navigators will be available to assist residents in-person and remotely, in a variety of languages, and will perform year-round outreach and education for 2027 coverage, including before and during the Open Enrollment Period.

Health plans offered through GetCovered.NJ.gov cover preventive services, emergency services, prescription drugs, prenatal and pediatric care, and more. No one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

ABOUT GET COVERED NEW JERSEY
Get Covered New Jersey is the State’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace, operated by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. Get Covered New Jersey is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial help to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that best fits their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for low-cost or free coverage from NJ FamilyCare. Get Covered New Jersey was established by state law and created by New Jersey, for New Jersey. For more information, visit GetCovered.NJ.gov.