The Affordable Care Act is a sweeping federal law that aims to provide health insurance to more Americans and promote health care services that are better, safer and less costly. It became law on March 23, 2010. One of the law's most important provisions - the launch of the Health Insurance Marketplace - is happening right now. Now's the time for health care consumers to explore health insurance options under the law and sign up for coverage.

Each state has the option of running its own Health Insurance Marketplace or joining a national marketplace. New Jersey has opted to join the national marketplace at www.Healthcare.gov. This site will provide New Jersey residents with details about their insurance options, enrollment information and other resources to make it easier to sign up for health insurance.

2020 Open Enrollment Period

November 1, 2019: Open Enrollment starts — first day you can enroll, re-enroll, or change a 2020 insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2020.

December 18, 2019: Last day to enroll in or change plans for coverage to start January 1, 2020. After this date, you can enroll or change plans only if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.

January 1, 2020: 2020 coverage starts for those who enroll or change plans by December 18.

New Jersey residents can compare and enroll in health insurance plans at the federal health Insurance marketplace portal HealthCare.gov.

Have a Life-Changing Event?
You can still get 2020 coverage or apply for coverage outside of enrollment periods if you have a life event (such as a job loss, birth, or divorce) that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period. Click here to learn more.

There are four basic ways to apply for health coverage through the Marketplace. Besides going online, you can use a paper application, visit a trained assistor in your community, or call the Healthcare.gov Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to apply and enroll over the phone. Click here to learn more about how to enroll in the Marketplace.

This Health Care Reform page is for informational purposes only and not to promote any particular health insurance marketplace products.

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and all related marks, logos, designs and slogans are registered and/or common-law trademarks and service marks of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Health Insurance Marketplace, The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and Healthcare.gov.