Get Covered New Jersey dates for 2027 coverage
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2026 | Open Enrollment starts for 2027 plans. |
| December 31, 2026 | Likely last day to enroll for coverage that starts January 1, 2027, if the state keeps its 2026 rule. Confirm with Get Covered New Jersey. |
| January 2027 | Under the 2026 rule, enrolling in January means a plan that starts February 1, 2027. |
| January 31, 2027 | Open Enrollment ends. |
The state says a federal rule would have shortened Open Enrollment to nine weeks for 2027, but it was blocked in court, so New Jersey kept its three-month window. Outside Open Enrollment you need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, losing NJ FamilyCare, marriage, a new baby or a move. See special enrollment periods.
On October 15, 2026, the Department of Banking and Insurance published final 2027 rates: a 19.8% weighted average increase in the individual market, on and off Get Covered New Jersey, before any subsidies. Carriers pointed to rising medical and drug costs and a worse risk pool after the enhanced federal credits ended.
New Jersey Health Plan Savings after the enhanced federal credits ended
- Federal premium tax credits still lower premiums for many enrollees, but the enhanced federal credits ended December 31, 2025, and the state says that pushed premiums up for 2026. See premium tax credit.
- New Jersey Health Plan Savings is the state's own subsidy. It works like the federal credit: you qualify based on income, and it lowers your monthly premium on a plan bought through Get Covered New Jersey.
- For 2027, the state says New Jersey Health Plan Savings remains available to households with income up to 600% of the federal poverty level. Its July 2026 announcement put that at $93,900 for one person or $192,900 for a family of four, which matches the 2025 poverty guidelines; check the dollar limit for 2027 coverage when you apply.
- Enrollment fell in 2026. The state reported 434,700 people enrolled as of June 30, 2026, down 74,492 since January 31, 2026.
Get Covered New Jersey's shop and compare tool estimates your savings before you apply. Your exact price depends on your income, household size, age and county, and the final amount is set when you complete a full application.
New Jersey's coverage mandate and penalty
New Jersey requires residents who must file a state return, and everyone in their tax household, to have minimum essential coverage for each month of the year, qualify for an exemption, or make a shared responsibility payment on the NJ-1040. The Division of Taxation collects it.
| Tax year 2025 penalty | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flat amount, per adult (18 or older) | $695 a year |
| Flat amount, per child under 18 | $347.50 a year |
| Most the flat amounts can add up to | $2,085 per household |
| Income-based amount | 2.5% of household income above $10,000 (single or married filing separately) or $20,000 (joint, head of household, surviving spouse) |
| What you owe | The higher of the flat amount or the income amount, up to a cap of $4,908 per person, $24,540 for five or more people |
- You don't owe it if your NJ-1040 income is $10,000 or less (single or married filing separately) or $20,000 or less (other filing statuses), or if someone can claim you as a dependent.
- Coverage for any part of a month counts as the whole month.
- Exemptions exist for income and health care reasons, group membership, incarceration, living abroad and hardship. You apply for an exemption number and enter it on Schedule NJ-HCC.
- Compare all states with a mandate in health insurance penalty states.
This is general information, not tax advice. Use the Division of Taxation's estimator or ask a tax advisor about your situation.
NJ FamilyCare or Get Covered New Jersey?
NJ FamilyCare is New Jersey's Medicaid and CHIP program. Adults 19 to 64 qualify with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which the state lists as $1,836 a month for one person under the 2026 guidelines. Children under 19 can qualify with household income up to 355% of the poverty level.
NJ FamilyCare says its eligibility rules change starting fall 2026 because of federal law, and it lists work requirements among the federal changes. Check NJ FamilyCare's website or call 1-800-701-0710 (TTY 711) for your situation. Losing NJ FamilyCare is a qualifying event for a Get Covered New Jersey plan outside Open Enrollment. See Medicaid income limits.
How to enroll, and where Gabriel fits
- Gather your details: everyone in your household, expected 2027 income, current coverage, and your doctors and prescriptions.
- Apply online at nj.gov/getcoverednj, by phone at 1-833-677-1010, or with free help from a Navigator or licensed agent.
- Compare plans on the premium after federal and state savings, the deductible, the out-of-pocket maximum and the network.
- Pick early, by December 31 if the 2026 rule holds, for January 1 coverage, then pay the first premium.
Gabriel can quote Marketplace plans for your ZIP code and household, show the price after any tax credit, and open your own application with a licensed agent in most states. You choose the plan and finish the application. Separate from insurance, Gabriel Core is $49 per adult a month (kids under 18 included) with member prices close to cost on lab tests, supplements, prescriptions and bioregulators, plus unlimited virtual urgent care and virtual primary care.
Gabriel is not an insurer. Health insurance quotes and enrollment are handled by Gabriel Labs, Gabriel's separately licensed insurance agency. Gabriel membership is not health insurance, doesn't count as minimum essential coverage, and doesn't replace a health plan's protection against large medical bills.
Common questions
When is open enrollment in New Jersey for 2027?
Get Covered New Jersey's Open Enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 31, 2027. For 2026 coverage, enrolling by December 31 meant a January 1 start and enrolling in January meant a February 1 start; confirm the 2027 cutoffs with Get Covered New Jersey.
Is there a penalty for not having health insurance in New Jersey?
Yes. For tax year 2025, it's the higher of $695 per adult and $347.50 per child (up to $2,085) or 2.5% of household income above the filing threshold, capped at $4,908 per person. Exemptions apply.
What is New Jersey Health Plan Savings?
It's New Jersey's own premium subsidy for plans bought through Get Covered New Jersey. For 2027, the state says it's available to households with income up to 600% of the federal poverty level.
What is the income limit for NJ FamilyCare?
Adults 19 to 64 qualify with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, $1,836 a month for one person under the 2026 guidelines. Children qualify up to 355%.
Can I buy a New Jersey plan outside Get Covered New Jersey?
You can buy some plans directly from insurers, but federal tax credits and New Jersey Health Plan Savings only apply to plans bought through Get Covered New Jersey.
Sources
- NJ Department of Banking and Insurance announces Open Enrollment for 2027 plan year New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
- NJ Department of Banking and Insurance releases final health insurance rates for plan year 2027 New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
- Bulletin 26-07: Open enrollment period for individual market health insurance for plan year 2027 New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
- Navigator grant announcement with New Jersey Health Plan Savings income limits New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
- Frequently asked questions Get Covered New Jersey
- 2025 Form NJ-1040 instructions New Jersey Division of Taxation
- NJ FamilyCare for adults New Jersey Department of Human Services
- Who is eligible NJ FamilyCare
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.