Getting Health Insurance
For an ASL summary of the resources on this page, visit
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 you need, including:
- GetCoveredNJ: The State’s health insurance marketplace, where you can compare plans and check your eligibility for financial help.
- : New Jersey’s Medicaid program providing free and low-cost health insurance.
- The federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older.
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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, , call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or .
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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 , 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 Services' 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.
Information about the changes to NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid is .
For an ASL summary of the resources on this page, visit
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Medicare
Health coverage for older adults and people with disabilities.
The Basics
Medicare is split into four parts (A-D) plus Medigap, which cover different services:
- Part A: Hospital Insurance - Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health care.
- Part B: Medical Coverage - Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
- Part C: Medicare Advantage - An all-in-one managed care alternative to Medicare. These plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D, and are typically purchased through a monthly premium. Several companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that you can choose from at varying costs and levels of coverage.
- Part D: Prescription drug coverage - Covers medically approved pharmaceuticals. Monthly costs vary by plan.
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) - A supplemental policy to help bridge the gaps in Medicare coverage (Parts A and B).
Medicare is not the same as Medicaid (), but you may qualify for both programs.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible for Medicare if any of the following apply:
- You are age 65 or older
- You are diagnosed with ALS
- You are diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease
- You receive dialysis or have had a kidney transplant
- You have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months
You can use an to check if you qualify.
To Apply
- Apply for Medicare .
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Visit your .
More Information
Free Medicare Counseling
New Jersey offers free help through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Trained volunteers can explain your options and help you understand Medicare. Call 1-800-792-8820 to find your local SHIP office.
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Medicare Savings Programs
Assistance with Medicare premiums, prescriptions, and health care costs.
The Basics
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) help eligible individuals pay part or all of their Medicare Part B premium. These programs can lower your out-of-pocket costs and support your overall healthcare needs.
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible if:
- You are a New Jersey resident
- You have Medicare Part A and Part B
- You meet certain income and asset limits (View current guidelines)
To Apply
- Complete the and answer a few basic questions to see if you qualify.
- Through NJSave, you can also apply for other state programs that help low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities save money on prescription drug costs and other living expenses.
- You may also print out a paper application instead of applying online.
- If you need help completing your application, you can:
- Read step-by-step written instructions for the online or paper application
More Information
- Visit to view current guidelines
- Or call 1-800-792-9745 for assistance
