Official Site of The State of New Jersey

Access to healthcare is essential for anyone seeking to live a healthy and happy life, but acquiring health insurance can often be a confusing and overwhelming process. This page provides information about health insurance options for residents of New Jersey to assist you in getting the healthcare that you need, including: 

• GetCoveredNJ: The State’s health insurance marketplace, where you can compare plans and check your eligibility for financial help. 
• NJ FamilyCare: New Jersey’s Medicaid program providing free and low cost health insurance. 

• Medicare: The federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older. 

Get Help Now 

• To sign up for health insurance, visit GetCovered.NJ.gov, the State’s health insurance marketplace where you can compare plans and see if you qualify for financial help. If you have questions or need help enrolling, call 1-833-677-1010 (TTY 711). 
• To apply for Medicare, sign up online, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1 800-325-0778), or visit your local Social Security Office. 

Get Covered NJ and NJ FamilyCare 

To sign up for health insurance, visit GetCovered.NJ.gov, the State’s health insurance marketplace where you can compare plans and see if you qualify for financial help. For more information, refer to this FAQ, which has detailed answers about how to apply, eligibility, and other key information.

Entering your details in the Get Covered NJ application will let you know if you qualify for NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey’s publicly funded health insurance program, or financial help to lower the cost of your marketplace plan. You only need to fill out one application.

If you qualify, NJ FamilyCare provides free or low-cost health insurance that covers doctor visits, prescriptions, vision, dental care, mental health, hospitalization, and more. NJ FamilyCare includes people who qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and people who qualify for Medicaid.

You can enroll in NJ FamilyCare any time. Generally, you can only enroll in a marketplace plan during open enrollment periods; however, you can enroll at any time if you experience a life- changing event like losing your job-based health coverage, having a baby, or losing coverage from a parent's plan.

The NJ WorkAbility Program offers full New Jersey Medicaid health coverage to working individuals with disabilities whose income would otherwise make them ineligible. For more information, visit the Division of Disability Service’s WorkAbility page or call 1-888-285-3036.

NOTE: You cannot apply for Medicare through GetCoveredNJ. See below for how to apply for Medicare through the federal government.

 

Get Help Signing Up

If you have questions or need help enrolling, call 1-833-677-1010 (TTY 711).

Specially trained navigators are also available to help guide you through the application process and find the right plan for you, either in-person or remotely. Find free, local assistance near you.

Information about the changes to NJ FamilyCare/Medicare is available in ASL at this link.

 

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65 years old, and certain younger people with disabilities and health conditions. Medicare is different from Medicaid, also known as NJ FamilyCare.

You may be eligible for Medicare if any of the following apply to you:

• Aged 65 years or older
• Diagnosed with ALS
• Diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease
• Receiving dialysis or have had a kidney transplant
• Have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months Use this online tool to check if you are eligible.

To apply for Medicare, sign up online, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1 800- 325-0778), or visit your local Social Security Office.

Medicare is split into five parts, which cover different services:

1. Part A: Hospital Insurance – Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
2. Part B: Medical coverage – Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
3. Part C: Medicare Advantage – is an all-in-one managed care alternative to original Medicare. These plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D, and are typically purchased through a monthly Several companies offer Medicare Advantage plans at varying costs and levels of coverage. The choice is yours.
4. Part D: Prescription drug coverage – Covers medically approved Monthly costs vary by plan.
5. Medicare Supplements: Medigap – A supplemental policy to help bridge the gaps in “original Medicare coverage” (Parts A and B).

New Jersey offers Medicare Part B premium assistance to individuals meeting income and asset guidelines through Medicare Savings Program (MSPs), which pay partial or full Medicare Part B premiums for eligible participants.

To determine your eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs, visit NJSave, an online application to help low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and other living expenses.

Get Help Figuring Out Medicare

New Jersey provides free Medicare counseling services through local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offices. Trained volunteers can help you navigate the system and find the right options for you. Call 1-800-792-8820.