With the annual open enrollment period for health insurance starting Nov. 1, many New Jersey families are facing uncertainty. This year, the standoff over federal government funding has created new complications, especially concerning the continuation of health insurance premium subsidies that help make coverage affordable for eligible residents.
These “enhanced premium subsidies” were first enacted as part of the federal pandemic and have been critical in maintaining broad access to health care services. They are now scheduled to expire at the end of this year, making their renewal a central issue in federal budget negotiations. Congressional Democrats are pushing for an immediate, long-term extension of the premium subsidies within any spending plan that ends the government shutdown, while Congressional Republicans favor passing an overall spending bill first and addressing subsidies afterward.
Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed 15 years ago, a half-million New Jerseyans annually have relied on its coverage and consumer protections. Now, federal policy evolving under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and further potential changes to ACA regulations mean reduced financial assistance, rising premiums, and tighter eligibility requirements for people shopping for health insurance through the Get Covered NJ marketplace.
The bottom line: Many New Jersey families will encounter new barriers to health insurance coverage that will make it harder to afford needed medical care.
Open enrollment begins Nov. 1
New Jersey’s Open Enrollment Period is Nov. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026, for 2026 health insurance coverage. Some of the biggest changes facing New Jerseyans this year include:
- Ending the expanded special enrollment period that gave consumers more opportunities throughout the year to sign up for health insurance
- Denying coverage for those with outstanding payments on their current insurance premiums
- Making individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status ineligible for Marketplace coverage
- Rising premiums that will make coverage less affordable for many New Jerseyans, regardless of the federal subsidy outcome
More changes are coming in 2026-2027, and consumers should expect higher maximum out-of-pocket costs for marketplace plans and an even shorter annual open enrollment period to shop and sign up for coverage.
Working harder
When the hurdles rise, our health care community works harder to help New Jersey residents get covered. The “Get Covered NJ” marketplace continues to offer a range of plan options. The New Jersey Hospital Association’s COVERNJ health navigators will also be available throughout our communities at libraries, health fairs and other locations, raising awareness and answering questions to help families and individuals find and enroll in the plans that best fits their needs.
Last year, a record 513,217 New Jerseyans obtained coverage through the ACA and New Jersey’s online insurance marketplace, thanks in part to the robust outreach of NJHA’s COVERNJ health navigators and community partners. This year our advice is clear:
- Prepare now. Gather needed documents, such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, income information like tax returns and pay stubs, and immigration records, if necessary
- Shop thoroughly. Review all available plans and prices, as plans and networks change each year. Priorities such as price, the healthcare services that are covered, and in-network doctors and other providers are important factors when choosing a plan. The best option may be a plan that’s different from what you currently have
- Enroll in coverage. Despite new hurdles, enrolling in coverage can mean access to essential healthcare, protection from unexpected costs, and peace of mind for you and your family