New Jersey residents shopping for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are being urged to take advantage of free, personalized assistance as the 2026 Open Enrollment Period runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2026.
This year’s enrollment period comes with significant federal changes that could impact affordability and eligibility, making the use of trained experts more critical than ever. The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) is providing confidential, unbiased support through its Health Navigators program.
“Health insurance means access to doctors and hospitals. It’s protection from big medical bills,” Cathy Bennett, NJHA president and CEO said. “This year’s open enrollment period brings some changes, but our health navigators’ mission hasn’t changed: helping you find a plan that fits your needs and your budget.”
Key changes for 2026 coverage
The new enrollment period is marked by several federal policy shifts that will dramatically impact costs for many consumers, especially in light of potential congressional inaction.
- Financial Subsidies at Risk: Unless Congress extends enhanced premium tax credits, many New Jerseyans who received historic levels of financial help in 2025 will see those subsidies expire, leading to significantly higher monthly out-of-pocket premiums for 2026.
- Carrier Changes: Consumers who had coverage through Aetna must shop for a new plan, as the company has withdrawn from the ACA marketplace nationally, including in New Jersey. Five carriers will offer plans through the state marketplace: Ambetter, AmeriHealth, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Oscar, and UnitedHealthcare.
- Eligibility Shifts: New federal rules have stripped eligibility for DACA recipients and certain lawfully present immigrants with incomes below the poverty line from receiving subsidized coverage, potentially leading to a sharp rise in the number of uninsured residents.
How to get help
New Jersey residents use the state’s official marketplace, GetCoveredNJ (www.nj.gov/getcoverednj/), to compare and select 2026 plans.
To assist with navigating the complexities of the changes, NJHA Navigators are available through January 31, 2026, offering both in-person and virtual assistance:
- In-Person Assistance: Navigators are offering support at local community locations, including libraries and food pantries. The full schedule of dates and locations is available at [www.njha.com/COVERNJ/calendar](https://www.njha.com/COVERNJ/calendar)
- Virtual and Phone Help:
- Visit: [www.njha.com/COVERNJ](https://www.njha.com/COVERNJ)
- Call: 1-877-4CARENJ
- Email: [email protected]
Insurance shoppers are advised to bring necessary documentation to their appointments, including Social Security numbers, birth dates for all household members, tax returns or pay stubs, and any necessary immigration documents.
