Enrollment in New Jersey's health insurance marketplace reached a record high

 

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) announced Dec. 19 that a record nearly 450,000 residents signed up for a 2025 health insurance plan through Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s health insurance marketplace.

That marks a dramatic jump over the first five weeks of Open Enrollment, versus the same time period last year. In 2024, 448,809 individuals selected plans, compared with 330,901 in 2023.

After starting Nov. 1, open enrollment ends Jan. 31, 2025. Health plans offered through GetCovered.NJ.gov cover preventive services, emergency services, prescription drugs, prenatal and pediatric care, and more. Nobody can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

Key figures and information DOBI released include:

• Overall plan selection totals are up 36% year over year
• The average amount of assistance is at a record high: $604 per person per month for 2025 coverage, versus $566 during the previous open enrollment
• 9 out of 10 enrollees will qualify for financial help; many individuals will have access to a plan that costs $10 a month or less
• All Get Covered New Jersey health plans cap out-of-pocket costs for:
  • • Insulin ($35 per month)
    • EpiPens ($25 for a month’s supply)
    • Asthma inhalers ($50 for a month’s supply)
• Number of carriers has doubled over the last four years. Six insurance companies offer plans on the marketplace:
  • • Aetna
    • Ambetter from WellCare of New Jersey
    • AmeriHealth
    • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
    • Oscar
    • UnitedHealthcare

 

‘Don’t wait’

Zimmerman

“Since New Jersey launched its marketplace four years ago, the number of people seeking coverage has expanded, which continues to demonstrate the real need for quality, affordable health coverage for residents and their families,” said DOBI Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. “The levels of financial assistance available have enabled many residents in need of coverage to enroll at a low cost. Enrollment levels demonstrate that Get Covered New Jersey is a trusted resource for comprehensive health plans and the program remains a valuable and needed avenue to obtain affordable health insurance.”

DOBI has expanded its enrollment outreach with Navigator partners. Located in communities across the state, that also includes hosting pop-up events in nine malls throughout New Jersey at the end of this month.

“We know the holiday season is a busy time for our residents – but it is important to remember that open enrollment is the only time of year to enroll,” said Zimmerman. “If you need health insurance, don’t wait, check out your options at Get Covered New Jersey today.”