As the deadline for securing healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act approaches, uninsured residents in New Jersey are facing a time crunch. According to the United Health Foundation, over 7% of New Jersey’s population lacks health insurance, making it critical for those individuals to seek coverage quickly through New Jersey’s healthcare marketplace.
The open enrollment period for healthcare in New Jersey concludes on Monday, December 15. Individuals who are uninsured have a narrow window to access GetCoveredNJ, the state’s official marketplace for comparing and obtaining health coverage options.
To get started, uninsured New Jerseyans should visit the GetCoveredNJ website where they can follow these essential steps to secure healthcare coverage:
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Browse Plans and Create an Account: Prospective applicants should begin by exploring available healthcare plans tailored to their needs.
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Start a New Application: Once registered, they can initiate an application process.
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Shop for a Plan: Consumers can compare different plans based on factors such as premiums, coverage options, and their budget.
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Pay Your First Premium: To activate coverage, payment of the initial premium is required.
For the application process, individuals will need to gather specific documents, including:
- A valid photo identification
- Social Security number
- The last four pay stubs
- Most recent tax returns
It’s also important to note that there may be options for applying for healthcare coverage even after the open enrollment deadline. Applicants may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) triggered by certain life events, such as pregnancy, childbirth, or adoption, which allows them to enroll in a plan with coverage starting sooner than usual.
GetCoveredNJ’s website specifies that uninsured or underinsured residents can express interest in health coverage for themselves or household members while filling out their state income tax returns. Moreover, through the New Jersey Easy Enrollment Health Insurance Program, eligible individuals can receive an invitation to apply and enroll outside of the standard enrollment window. For those qualifying for an SEP, there is generally a 60-day period following the life event to enroll or modify their healthcare plan.
As the deadline looms, it’s vital for eligible New Jersey residents to act swiftly to ensure they do not miss the opportunity to obtain necessary health insurance coverage for the upcoming year.
