New Jersey residents looking to secure health insurance for the start of the new year must enroll through the state’s marketplace, Get Covered NJ, by Dec. 31, 2025, for coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

While the official Open Enrollment Period runs until Jan. 31, 2026, residents who wait until January to apply will not see their coverage start until Feb. 1.

Residents must enroll in a plan during this window unless they experience a “qualifying life event” later in the year, such as marriage, pregnancy, or the loss of a job.

Why Enrolling Matters: Avoid the Penalty

Having health insurance coverage is required by state law. New Jersey enforces a Shared Responsibility Payment, a tax penalty for residents who go without coverage. Enrolling now ensures you avoid this penalty when filing your 2026 state taxes.

Financial Help is Available

Many residents qualify for financial assistance to lower their monthly premiums. State subsidies, known as NJ Health Plan Savings, are available to individuals earning up to roughly $93,900 and families of four earning up to $192,900.

How to Apply for Health Insurance in NJ

1. Gather Your Documents

Before starting the application, have these items ready to make the process faster:

  • Social Security numbers for all household members.
  • Employer and income information (pay stubs or W-2s).
  • Policy numbers for any current health insurance.

2. Visit the Official Site

Go to GetCovered.NJ.gov to shop for plans.

  • If this is your first time, select “New to the Health Insurance Marketplace?”
  • Enter your personal details to see if you qualify for subsidies or NJ FamilyCare (the state’s publicly funded health insurance program).
  • The website may prompt you to search for a doctor you would like to keep in your plan. You can input this information or skip this step.
  • You will then be presented with health insurance options from least expensive to most expensive. You can filter your options on the lefthand side by selecting what kinds of premiums you are looking for (i.e. higher premium and lower cost of care, deductible, amount, etc.).

Note for NJ FamilyCare: Eligible low-income residents can apply for NJ FamilyCare at any time of year. There is no deadline to apply. Check NJ FamilyCare eligibility here.

3. Find Local Help

State-certified assisters and brokers are available to help you at no cost. Assisters provide guidance on your options, while brokers can recommend specific plans based on your needs. Find a free local assister or broker here.

4. Terms You Need to Know

Premium: A health insurance premium is how much your coverage costs.

Deductible: What you pay for claims before your insurance kicks in. Insurances may cover healthcare claims at a certain percentage before the out-of-pocket max is reached.

Out-of-Pocket Max: This is the maximum an enrollee will pay for their healthcare per year. After this amount is reached, insurance will cover claims 100% for the rest of the year.

HMO: Health Maintenance Organization plans require you to select a primary care physician (PCP). You will need a referral from your PCP to visit specialists. Premiums and copays are typically lower. 

EPO: Exclusive Provider Organization plans allow enrollees to visit specialists without a referral from their PCP. The premiums are higher, but offer more flexibility.