Deadline approaches for health care Marketplace

TRENTON — Last week, Health and Human Services released its latest enrollment figures showing that 273,210 people are signed up for 2017 Marketplace coverage in New Jersey, more than at the same time last year. Recently, HHS released a new report with detailed demographic, financial, and geographic data on New Jersey consumers signed up for coverage as of Dec. 24, 2016. The new report also finds that more than 11.5 million people nationwide were signed up for Health Insurance Marketplace coverage as of Dec. 24, an increase of 286,000 plan selections relative to the comparable period last year. This latest report shows that a broad cross-section of New Jerseyans rely on the Marketplace to access affordable, quality coverage. New Jersey Marketplace consumers signed up through Dec. 24 include:
145,737 female and 127,059 male New Jerseyans
23,283 children
68,900 adults age 18-34,
100,376 adults age 35-54,
80,237 older New Jerseyans
34,930 Asians
13,564 African-Americans
32,288 Latinos
118,864 Caucasians
65,480 new consumers
207,316 returning consumers
“With more than 11.5 million people signed up nationwide, demand for health coverage is higher than ever, and New Jerseyans are proving once again that Marketplace coverage is vital to them and their families,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “For New Jerseyans who have not yet signed up, it’s not too late. Open enrollment continues through Jan. 31, but you should visit HealthCare.gov by this Sunday to ensure your coverage starts Feb. 1. Most HealthCare.gov consumers can find a plan for less than $75 per month in premiums, and millions are finding plans that meet their and their families’ needs.”
The report underscores the importance of financial assistance for New Jersey consumers. Seventy-six percent of New Jerseyans signed up for Marketplace coverage through Dec. 24 will receive advanced premium tax credits that lower their premiums by an average of $267 per month. On an annual basis, that works out to tax credits of $3,210 per year for up to 207,584 New Jerseyans.
Open Enrollment continues through Jan. 31. Last year, enrollment slowed in the middle of January but spiked in the days before the final deadline. Plan selection totals will also fluctuate over the remainder of Open Enrollment as some consumers choose to cancel their plans, for example in response to life changes like starting a new job with employer coverage or gaining eligibility for Medicare or Medicaid.
Consumers have until Jan. 15 to sign up for coverage that starts Feb. 1. An estimated 61 percent of New Jerseyans can find plans for less than $100 per month, and the large majority of Marketplace consumers nationwide are satisfied with their coverage and report that it offers them financial security and access to care.
Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov, CuidadodeSalud.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596 to review their coverage options, learn about what financial assistance is available, or to sign up or re-enroll in a plan that best meets their needs.
Five Facts about Open Enrollment in New Jersey:
1. Since Open Enrollment began on Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 273,210 New Jersey consumers have selected a plan using the HealthCare.gov platform.
2. Coverage could be more affordable than you think. Nationwide, about 8 out of 10 people who enroll in health coverage through HealthCare.gov qualify for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable.
3. Shopping for a better deal could save you money. For 2017, HealthCare.gov consumers in New Jersey could save an average of $557 annually in premiums for a plan in the same level of coverage by returning to shop. If you had coverage through HealthCare.gov for 2016, you should come back to update your information and compare your options for 2017.
4. It’s easier than ever to find a plan that meets your needs and budget. Comparing plans online or on mobile will be an intuitive, step-by-step process to click or swipe through. Simple, easy-to-understand presentation of plan features like cost-sharing and provider networks will help consumers find what works for them.
5. Help is available. Free, confidential help can be found in person or by phone.
Call 800-318-2596 for confidential assistance 24/7, in English or Spanish. Visit HealthCare.gov and CuidadoDeSalud.gov.