From the Township of Maplewood:
Nearly 660,000 New Jersey residents—about 7.7% of the population—lacked health insurance as of 2024, highlighting the ongoing need for accessible and affordable coverage options. Open enrollment for state health insurance runs through January 31, 2026, and local health departments are offering resources to help navigate the process.
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Understanding available resources can ease the often-complex process of securing health coverage.
Those most at risk of being uninsured in New Jersey include low-income individuals—earning at or below 100% of the federal poverty level—and young adults between the ages of 19 and 34. In Essex County, approximately 17.4% of adults under 65 currently lack health insurance. Recent reductions in federal Medicaid funding may further increase the demand for state-based health insurance programs.
Free Assistance is Available
Health insurance navigators, like those at New Jersey Citizen Action, provide free assistance with enrollment. They can guide individuals through the application process and offer support to those with existing coverage who are concerned about rising premium costs.
Additional support is available through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which assists low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in saving money on Medicare premiums and related expenses.
Where to Find More Information
Residents can find more information and resources on the Township and Village Health Department webpages. For comprehensive coverage options, visit Get Covered New Jersey at https://nj.gov/getcoverednj. Further assistance is available through the state’s human services department at https://nj.gov/humanservices.
https://www.maplewoodnj.gov/government/public-health-social-services
