The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (the "Department") has issued Bulletin No. 21-07 to follow the extension of the Federal Special Enrollment Period given the recent signing of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and further extends the COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period (“SEP”) and (the “Bulletin”), respectively.
The purpose of the Bulletin is to advise carriers and other interested parties that the emergency COVID-19 SEP is extended through November 30, 2021. Accordingly, during this period, individuals that are not already enrolled in an individual health benefits plan can apply for coverage through New Jersey’s new Health Insurance Exchange, “Get Covered New Jersey” or directly through carriers. No additional information or documentation is required to be eligible for the COVID-19 SEP. Similar to applicable existing special enrollment periods, which remain in place, through this extended COVID-19 SEP individuals already enrolled in a health benefits plan who are seeking to replace current coverage with a different health benefits plan may do so. Individuals enrolled under this extended COVID-19 SEP will have coverage effective no later than the first of the next month after their date of enrollment. Earlier effective dates for coverage available under special enrollment periods initiated by other triggering events also remain available, as applicable. The Department is making all operational and programmatic changes that are necessary to continue to make the COVID-19 SEP available and is directing carriers in the individual market to do the same.
Questions can be directed to Department’s Office of Regulatory Affairs at egsregs@dobi.nj.gov.