Open enrollment for the state health insurance marketplace, known as Get Covered New Jersey, runs until Jan. 31, although for 2023 coverage to have taken effect on Jan. 1, people had to enroll by Dec. 31, 2022.

As of Dec. 5, 297,824 residents had signed up for 2023 health coverage — 246,633 who were automatically renewed and 51,191 new or existing consumers who actively selected a plan.

Overall enrollment is up by 4% compared to this time last year, when 286,955 residents had signed up for coverage, according to the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance. In a statement issued Dec. 28, department commissioner Marlene Caride touted the “record savings” available for enrollees. “[T]he average amount of financial help for 2023 coverage is at a record high of $573 per person per month,” according to a DOBI press release.

For people who now enroll by Jan. 31, coverage will begin on Feb. 1. Once open enrollment ends, the only time residents can enroll in a plan is if they have a major life event, such as getting married, moving, having a baby, losing employer-sponsored coverage, or if they meet certain income standards that qualify them for a special enrollment period.

All plans cover preventive and emergency services, prescription drugs, prenatal and pediatric care, and more, and no one can be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition.

There’s more information at GetCovered.NJ.gov and free local assistance. To browse plans and learn about financial help, there’s a Shop and Compare Tool.