New Jersey Health Insurance Marketplace 2026
Navigate the marketplace enrollment process with confidence. Get expert guidance on plan selection, subsidy eligibility, and enrollment assistance from licensed specialists.
Understanding the New Jersey Health Insurance Marketplace
Finding the right health insurance in New Jersey doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re shopping for coverage for the first time, switching plans, or exploring your options after a life change, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about the state marketplace for 2026.
New Jersey runs its own health insurance exchange called GetCoveredNJ — separate from the federal HealthCare.gov platform. The state launched this marketplace in November 2020, and it now offers a more personalized experience with benefits you won’t find on the federal site.
Why New Jersey Created Its Own Marketplace
By running its own exchange, New Jersey can offer extended enrollment periods, state-funded subsidies for higher incomes, and better customer support for local residents. The state also has more control over plan offerings and can respond faster to resident needs.
When you shop through GetCoveredNJ, you’ll see all available plans in your area from the five participating carriers. The marketplace automatically calculates both federal premium tax credits and New Jersey Health Plan Savings to show your true monthly cost.
What’s Changed for 2026
Your Own State Marketplace
New Jersey uses GetCoveredNJ at nj.gov/getcoverednj — not HealthCare.gov. This means more local support and unique state benefits.
Extended Enrollment Window
Open enrollment runs through January 31, 2026 — two weeks longer than most states. Enroll by December 31 for January 1 coverage.
State Subsidies Available
NJ Health Plan Savings offers extra financial help for incomes up to 600% FPL — that’s $93,900 for individuals or $192,900 for a family of four.
Carrier Lineup Changed
Aetna has exited the marketplace. Five carriers now offer plans: Horizon BCBS, AmeriHealth, Oscar, UnitedHealthcare, and Ambetter.
Individual Mandate
New Jersey requires health coverage. Going without may result in a penalty on your state tax return — one of few states with this requirement.
Federal Subsidy Cliff Returns
Enhanced federal subsidies expired December 31, 2025. If income exceeds 400% FPL, you may not qualify for federal help — making NJ state subsidies more valuable.
How to Enroll in the New Jersey Marketplace
Enrolling in marketplace coverage follows a straightforward process, but knowing what to expect and what information you’ll need streamlines the experience.
Create Your Account
Visit nj.gov/getcoverednj and set up your secure account with basic contact information.
Complete Application
Enter household details, income information, and current coverage status.
Review Eligibility
See which subsidies you qualify for — both federal tax credits and NJ state savings.
Select Your Plan
Compare plans by price, network, and benefits. Choose the coverage that fits your needs.
Need Help Enrolling?
You don’t have to navigate the marketplace alone. Our licensed agents can walk you through every step, help you understand your subsidy eligibility, and ensure you pick a plan that covers your doctors and medications.
Get Free Enrollment Help Call 888-215-40452026 Open Enrollment Dates
GetCoveredNJ gives you more time to enroll than most state marketplaces. Here are the key dates for 2026 coverage:
| Deadline | Coverage Starts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| November 1, 2025 | Not applicable | Open enrollment begins |
| December 31, 2025 | January 1, 2026 | Enroll by this date for coverage starting New Year’s Day |
| January 31, 2026 | February 1, 2026 | Final deadline, last day to enroll for 2026 |
Missed open enrollment? You may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event within the past 60 days. This includes losing other coverage, getting married, having a baby, or moving to New Jersey.
Marketplace Plan Types
All GetCoveredNJ plans are organized into metal tiers. The tier you choose affects how you split costs with your insurance company:
Lower Premiums, Higher Out-of-Pocket
Coverage ratio: Plan pays ~60%, you pay ~40%
Bronze plans offer the lowest monthly premiums but require higher cost-sharing when you use healthcare services. Best for healthy individuals who mainly want protection against major medical emergencies.
Balanced Premiums and Cost-Sharing
Coverage ratio: Plan pays ~70%, you pay ~30%
Silver plans balance monthly costs with out-of-pocket expenses. Qualifying for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) can significantly lower deductibles and copayments, making Silver plans particularly valuable for moderate-income households.
Higher Premiums, Lower Out-of-Pocket
Coverage ratio: Plan pays ~80%, you pay ~20%
Gold plans feature higher monthly premiums but lower costs when accessing care. Well-suited for individuals with regular healthcare needs, ongoing prescriptions, or chronic conditions requiring frequent medical attention.
Highest Premiums, Lowest Out-of-Pocket
Coverage ratio: Plan pays ~90%, you pay ~10%
Platinum plans offer the most comprehensive cost protection with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Best for individuals with significant anticipated medical needs or those managing serious health conditions.
Which Tier Should You Choose?
If you’re generally healthy and want the lowest monthly payment, Bronze may work. But if you qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions, Silver plans often provide the best value — you get enhanced benefits at a lower price. Gold and Platinum make sense if you use healthcare frequently or have ongoing medical needs.
Not Sure Which Tier Is Right for You?
Our licensed agents can help you compare metal tiers based on your healthcare needs and budget.
Get Personalized Recommendations Call 888-215-40452026 GetCoveredNJ Insurance Carriers
Five insurance companies offer marketplace plans in New Jersey for 2026. Each carrier brings different network options, plan designs, and pricing:
Horizon BCBS
New Jersey’s largest carrier with extensive provider networks statewide
AmeriHealth
Strong presence in the region with competitive HMO and EPO options
Oscar
Tech-forward plans with telemedicine features and user-friendly app
UnitedHealthcare
National carrier offering broad network access and plan variety
Ambetter
Budget-friendly options from WellCare of New Jersey
Aetna — Exited
No longer offering marketplace plans in NJ for 2026. If you had Aetna coverage, you’ll need to select a new carrier.
Plan availability varies by county. When you shop on GetCoveredNJ, you’ll only see carriers and plans available in your specific ZIP code.
NJ Health Plan Savings: State Subsidies
New Jersey offers its own premium assistance program on top of federal subsidies. This is a significant advantage for Garden State residents — especially those who earn too much for federal help.
Who Qualifies for NJ Health Plan Savings?
To be eligible for New Jersey’s state subsidies, you must meet all of the following requirements:
New Jersey Resident
You must be a legal resident of New Jersey. Your primary residence must be in the state at the time of enrollment.
Enrolled Through GetCoveredNJ
You must purchase your health plan through the official state marketplace. Plans bought directly from carriers or through other channels don’t qualify.
Income Within Limits
Your household income must be at or below 600% of the Federal Poverty Level. This is significantly higher than the federal 400% FPL cutoff.
Not Eligible for Other Coverage
You cannot be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or employer-sponsored coverage that meets affordability standards.
Filed NJ Tax Return
You must file a New Jersey state tax return. Your subsidy eligibility is reconciled based on your actual reported income.
Lawfully Present
You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawfully present immigrant to qualify for state premium assistance.
These state subsidies stack on top of any federal Premium Tax Credits you receive. The state has allocated approximately $215 million for 2026 to support this program. When you apply through GetCoveredNJ, the system automatically checks your eligibility for both federal and state assistance.
Prescription Cost Caps on NJ Marketplace Plans
All GetCoveredNJ health plans include built-in prescription cost protections that can save you hundreds of dollars annually:
| Medication | Monthly Cap |
|---|---|
| Insulin | $35 per month |
| EpiPens | $25 per month |
| Asthma Inhalers | $50 per month |
These caps apply regardless of your plan’s deductible status. If you rely on any of these medications, the savings can be substantial compared to plans without these protections.
Additional New Jersey Health Insurance Resources
Explore all available New Jersey health insurance plan types, carriers, and coverage structures.
Individual Health Insurance NJCoverage options for New Jersey individuals and families including ACA-compliant marketplace plans.
Self-Employed Coverage NJHealth insurance solutions and tax considerations for New Jersey freelancers and business owners.
Costs & Savings GuideUnderstand premiums, subsidies, and cost-saving strategies for New Jersey health insurance.
Compare NJ QuotesGet personalized health insurance quotes from multiple New Jersey carriers with subsidy estimates.
Best NJ Health PlansReview top-rated New Jersey health insurance plans based on value, coverage, and provider access.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Marketplace Coverage?
Navigating GetCoveredNJ on your own can be overwhelming — dozens of plans, five carriers, complex subsidy calculations, and confusing network options. Our licensed New Jersey specialists are standing by to help you cut through the noise. We’ll compare plans side-by-side, verify your doctors are covered, calculate your exact subsidy amount, and handle the enrollment paperwork so you don’t have to.
Get Your Free Quote Call 888-215-4045Licensed in New Jersey • Same prices as GetCoveredNJ • Free consultation
Independent Broker Notice
ForHealthInsurance.com is an independent health insurance agency serving New Jersey residents. We are not affiliated with any carrier or government agency. We help you compare plans and enroll in coverage that meets your needs.