Navigator organizations to provide assistance to uninsured and underserved NJ residents during the upcoming ACA Open Enrollment Period and year-round. 

Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) Commissioner Marlene Caride recently announced the award of nearly $4 million in grant funding for community organizations to serve as state Navigators. These organizations will provide free outreach, education, and enrollment assistance to residents shopping for health insurance during the Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment Period. Open Enrollment at Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, begins on November 1st.  

The administration is increasing its investment in Navigators this year by nearly half a million dollars, and expanding the number of awardees, to help consumers enroll in quality, affordable health insurance. 

“Since day one, our administration has fought to improve access to health insurance based on our belief that health care is a fundamental right,” said Governor Murphy. “With this investment, we will expand the network of Navigators in our state and ensure that residents who need health insurance can get the help they need to obtain the coverage and care they deserve.” 

Get healthcare assistance through Get Covered NJ 

Get Covered New Jersey is the state’s official health insurance marketplace. Established by law on June 28, 2019 by Governor Phil Murphy, the marketplace is part of the state’s work to improve access to healthcare coverage for NJ residents and build up the progress made through the Affordable Care Act. 

GetCoveredNJ is focused on increasing access to affordable, high-quality health insurance for residents of New Jersey. The marketplace is where individuals and families can easily shop for and buy health coverage, and the only place to receive financial help. You can use GetCoveredNJ to compare health plans and calculate costs, and to choose the plan that works best for you and your family. It is the only place you will be able to apply for financial help to lower your monthly insurance premium and out-of-pocket costs. Through GetCoveredNJ you may also find out if you might qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through New Jersey’s publicly funded health insurance program, NJ FamilyCare.

During the inaugural GetCoveredNJ Open Enrollment Period, enrollment increased by nearly 10 percent over the previous open enrollment. The upcoming Open Enrollment Period at Get Covered New Jersey will run from November 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022, and is the only time during the year residents without coverage through an employer or other program can enroll in health insurance, unless they have a major life event.

With the GetCoveredNJ marketplace, New Jersey can also have a longer Open Enrollment Period and establish Special Enrollment Periods in order to respond to the needs of its residents. For the 2021 plan year, Open Enrollment started November 1, 2020 and ended January 31, 2021. A COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period is now in effect.

GetCoveredNJ allows the state to improve access to healthcare by investing in more outreach and trained experts to provide enrollment help within the community. By continuing to strengthen these Navigator organizations, more residents will have a chance to attain healthcare and assistance throughout the application process. 

“Navigators are an important part of reaching the state’s uninsured residents and ensuring they have access to quality, affordable health coverage and available financial help in their own community. With expanded state and federal financial help available in 2022, we want to ensure as many residents as possible take advantage of low-cost health coverage that is available,” said Commissioner Marlene Caride. “We are excited to continue to expand our network of community organizations providing free, unbiased enrollment assistance to residents. We look forward to working with our community partners as we work to get New Jersey residents covered this Open Enrollment Period and throughout the year.”

Comprehensive list of Navigator organizations  

A total of 18 organizations will be funded for the 2021-2022 year to serve as Navigators to support enrollment assistance in the State-Based Marketplace, expanded from 16 organizations awarded funding last year. All of the organizations serving as Navigators will have the ability to assist residents in-person and remotely. 

A total of $3.9 million will be awarded for the 2021-2022 year, compared to $3.5 million awarded in the 2020-2021 grant year. Navigator grants will support the work of organizations that conduct public education activities and offer free and impartial assistance to consumers to shop for and enroll in coverage on the marketplace, and help them apply for financial help. Grantee activities will include outreach and education year-round for 2022 coverage, including in advance of and during the Open Enrollment Period.

Where to find Navigator Organizations: 

AtlantiCare | Contact: 888-569-1000

Resources: 

• LGBTQ health services
• LifeCenter Fitness
• Community Program:
  • Healthy Children
  • Healing hearts

Center For Family Services inc. | Contact: 877.922.2377 or access@centerffs.org

Resources: 

• NJ COVID
• Resources for Managing Traumatic Stress
• Sesame Street in Communities 
• Resources For Parents and Caregivers
• Food Access
• Financial Resources

Family Resource Network | Contact: 800-372-6510, Fax: (609) 392-5621

Resources: 

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Individual Support 
• Increase Accessibility
• Home Independence
• Scholarship Programs
• Training & In-service Self Advocacy Training
• Vocational Services
• After-School Program
• Network Support Services

Foodbank of Monmouth & Ocean County Fulfill | Contact: 732-918-26000 or main@fulfillnj.org

Resources: 

• Tax refund Assistance
• Providing Food
• Kids Feeding Program
• Culinary Training
• Mobile Pantries
• Affordable Healthcare

Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey | Contact: 609-275-4000 

Resources: 

• ACCME Academy-find course, resources, support tools, and a community of
• practice. 
• Advancing Social Justice Resources
• Educational Design Resources
• Research Opportunities

HOPES Community-action Partnership Incorporated | Contact: 855-654-6737

Resources: 

• Infant Head start Program
• Adult Financial Literacy Workshop
• Seniors Assisted
• Transportation Program

Lakewood Resource and Referral Center | Contact: 732-942-9292

Resources: 

• Affordable Housing
• assistance
• Community Education
• Vaccination awareness

New jersey Citizen Action Educational Fund | Contact: 973-643-8800

Resources: 

• Free Tax Preparation
• Financial Coaching
• Fair Houses Services
• Consumer’s education

New Jersey Shares | Contact: 609-883-1626 or info@njshares.com

Resources: 

• NJ Shares Energy Grant
• Municipal Water Newark & Parsippany- Troy Hills
• Aqua Aid Program
• Verizon NJ communications
• Lifeline Program

Newark Community Health Centers Inc | Contact:  800-994-6242

Resources: 

• Women’s Health Program
• Dental Program
• Behavioral Health Program
• Specialty Services
• Pediatric Program

North Hudson Community Action Corporation | Contact: 201-210-0200

Resources: 

• Program administration
• Pregnant Woman
• Parent Family Community
• engagement
• Educational Program

Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and southern New Jersey Inc. | Contact: 800-230-7526

Resources: 

• Free STD testing
• HIV Testing and Counseling
• Cancer Screening
• Abortion

Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers Inc. | Contact:  609-567-0200

Resources: 

• Behavioral Health
• Migrant Health
• Patient Support Services
• Women’s Health care

St. James Health Inc. | Contact:  973-789-8111

Resources: 

• Family Planning
• Geriatrics
• Prevention, screening
• Pharmacy Services
• Social Work
• Sports Medicine

The Oranges ACA Navigator Project Inc. | Contact: 973-500-6031

Resources: 

• NJ Family Care Covered Services
• Doctor Visits
• Eyeglasses
• Prescriptions
• Mental Health Services
• Immunizations 

University Hospital | Contact:  (973) 972-4300

Resources: 

• Specialized Services
• Diversity & Inclusion
• LGBTQ training resources
• Billing and Financial Counseling

Urban League of Hudson County | Contact:  201-451-8888

Resources: 

• Affordable Housing & Community development
• After school Computer learning
• Child & Adult Care food program
• Child Care
• CEO Program

Zufall Health Center | Contact: 973-328-9100 or info@zufallhealth.org

Resources:

• Covid Testing/ Info
• Community Programs
• Outreach Programs
• Dental Services
• Patient Support

Enrollment for 2021 coverage remains open through the end of the year through the COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period. Additionally, residents who qualify for NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program) can enroll year-round. More information on health insurance options can be found at GetCovered.NJ.gov.