Affordable Health Insurance in New Jersey

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New Jersey Health Insurance Fast Facts

$560

Average monthly savings with subsidies in New Jersey

310K+

New Jersey residents enrolled in marketplace plans (2025)

Insurance carriers offering coverage in New Jersey (2026)

7.9%

Uninsured rate in New Jersey (below national average)

Health Insurance in New Jersey: Your Complete Guide

Finding affordable health insurance in New Jersey is easier than ever with the health insurance marketplace. Whether you're looking for cheap health insurance, comprehensive medical insurance, or exploring the health insurance marketplace, New Jersey residents have access to quality coverage options through HealthCare.gov, the federal exchange.

Understanding the New Jersey Health Insurance Marketplace

The health insurance marketplace in New Jersey operates through HealthCare.gov, the federal exchange that helps residents compare health insurance quotes and enroll in affordable health insurance plans. The marketplace offers medical insurance from 4 carriers, ensuring you can find cheap health insurance that meets your needs and budget.

New Jersey expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, providing health insurance coverage to more low-income residents. This expansion has helped reduce the state's uninsured rate to 7.9%, below the national average.

Average Health Insurance Costs in New Jersey

For a 40-year-old, Silver health insurance plans in New Jersey average $780 per month before subsidies, while a 21-year-old pays around $600 monthly. However, most New Jersey residents qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce these costs—the average monthly savings is $560. About 87% of marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits.

How to Save on Health Insurance in New Jersey

New Jersey residents have multiple ways to reduce their medical insurance costs and find affordable health insurance. Here are proven strategies to save on your health insurance marketplace coverage:

1. Premium Tax Credits

New Jersey residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level may qualify for premium tax credits. On average, New Jersey residents save $560 per month through these enhanced subsidies. These credits automatically reduce your monthly health insurance premium when you enroll through the health insurance marketplace.

2. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR)

If your income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions. CSRs help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for medical insurance, making your affordable health insurance even more budget-friendly. In 2025, 51% of New Jersey marketplace enrollees selected plans with CSR benefits.

3. Compare All Metal Tiers

When comparing health insurance quotes, calculate total costs including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Sometimes a higher-tier plan provides better value for frequent healthcare users. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans cost more monthly but offer lower costs when you need care.

4. Consider HMO Plans

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans typically feature lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to PPO plans. While coverage options may be more restricted, HMOs offer cheap health insurance for those who don't mind staying in-network and obtaining referrals for specialists.

5. Medicaid Eligibility

Over 1.9M New Jersey residents are enrolled in Medicaid, which provides affordable health insurance or free medical insurance for those who qualify. Check your eligibility through HealthCare.gov—you may be surprised to find you qualify for this comprehensive health insurance coverage.

New Jersey Health Insurance FAQs

When is open enrollment for health insurance in New Jersey?

Open enrollment for the New Jersey health insurance marketplace runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. This is when most New Jersey residents can compare health insurance quotes and enroll in affordable health insurance or change their medical insurance plans for the upcoming year. If you miss this window, you'll need a qualifying life event to access a special enrollment period.

How much does health insurance cost in New Jersey?

The average cost of health insurance in New Jersey varies by age, location, and plan type. For a 40-year-old, Silver plans average $780 per month before subsidies, while a 21-year-old pays around $600 monthly. However, most New Jersey residents qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce these costs—the average monthly savings is $560. When shopping for cheap health insurance, remember that Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans cost more monthly but offer lower out-of-pocket costs for medical care.

Can I get short-term health insurance in New Jersey?

No, short-term health insurance is no longer available in New Jersey. The state banned short-term limited duration insurance plans in 2019. If you need health insurance coverage outside of open enrollment, you must qualify for a special enrollment period through a life event like marriage, job loss, or pregnancy. For affordable health insurance, check if you qualify for Medicaid or explore your options through the New Jersey health insurance marketplace during the next open enrollment period.

What is the health insurance marketplace?

The health insurance marketplace in New Jersey operates through HealthCare.gov where New Jersey residents can compare health insurance quotes, apply for affordable health insurance, and enroll in medical insurance plans. It offers plans from 4 major insurance carriers. The marketplace also helps determine if you qualify for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, or Medicaid. The platform makes it easy to find cheap health insurance that meets your healthcare needs and budget.

Do I qualify for free health insurance in New Jersey?

You may qualify for free or very low-cost health insurance through New Jersey Medicaid if your income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four in 2026, that's approximately $42,780 annually. Children may qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) with higher income limits. Use the HealthCare.gov website to check your eligibility for affordable health insurance programs.

What's the difference between HMO and PPO health insurance plans in New Jersey?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans typically offer cheaper health insurance with lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, but you must stay within the plan's network and get referrals to see specialists. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans cost more but provide greater flexibility—you can see out-of-network providers and don't need referrals for specialists. When comparing health insurance quotes on the New Jersey health insurance marketplace, consider your healthcare usage patterns. If you rarely see doctors and want affordable health insurance, an HMO might be ideal. If you want maximum flexibility and don't mind higher premiums, a PPO offers more freedom.

How do premium tax credits work in New Jersey?

Premium tax credits are subsidies that make health insurance more affordable for New Jersey residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, that's roughly $15,060 to $60,240 for an individual, or $31,200 to $124,800 for a family of four. These credits are applied directly to your monthly health insurance premium, reducing what you pay out of pocket. New Jersey residents save an average of $560 per month through these enhanced subsidies. When you apply for coverage through the health insurance marketplace, HealthCare.gov automatically calculates your eligibility and shows you the reduced premium for affordable health insurance plans.

Compare health insurance quotes from New Jersey’s top providers:

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Aetna

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare

Humana