Health insurance still possible after deadline for some
By: Scott Fallon
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Open enrollment for health insurance ended late last year [2024] for most New Jerseyans on an employer plan. those enrolled in Get Covered NJ - the state-run Affordable Care Act marketplace - had until January 31 to enroll in a plan.
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But not everyone who missed those dealings is out of luck.
..... Some New Jerseyans can still sign up for health insurance - when they file state taxes this spring. [2025]
..... A little-known program called "NJ Easy Enrollment Health Insurance" that launched in the middle of tax season last year [2024] allows those with no insurance coverage to enroll outside the open enrollment period.
..... The program allows someone to select a plan from a private carrier with Get Covered NJ, which is being sued more and more by New Jerseyans, from freelancers to part-time workers who don't get employer-based medical coverage and are ineligible for Medicaid and Medicare, which is government insurance for low-income earners and seniors respectively.
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A record 513,217 residents singed up for health insurance coverage in 2025 under Get Covered NJ - about 30% more than last year. [2024]
..... Major life changes - including marriage, divorce, birth of a child or job loss - allow someone to alter their health coverage during the year. But barring those events most people are shut out of getting coverage after the end of open enrollment, which takes place form November 1 to January 31 for Get Covered NJ.
..... The state program penalizes someone signing up late by charging them a "Shared Responsibility Payment," which requires them to pay for the months when they didn't have coverage at a rate that is usually more than a monthly premium. but if the policyholder and their dependents stay on the plan for the entire year, the payment is waived.
..... Once someone indicates on their tax filings that they want to sign up, they would receive an email detailing what converge options are available and any discounts for which they are eligible.