The Murphy Administration has announced the allocation of $5 million in Navigator grant awards to 30 community organizations across New Jersey. The funding aims to assist uninsured residents in obtaining health coverage through Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace. The Open Enrollment Period for 2025–2026 will run from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
Navigator organizations will provide free outreach, education, and enrollment assistance in more than ten languages throughout all counties in the state. They will also help residents apply for financial assistance when shopping for health insurance plans. Since 2019, over $28 million has been awarded by the administration to support these efforts.
Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare: “Throughout my time as Governor, we have made access to quality and affordable health care a fundamental priority for all of our residents. Especially with federal changes to health insurance marketplaces for the new plan year, Get Covered New Jersey’s community-based Navigators can provide valuable assistance in guiding residents to understand available options and pricing, and in choosing the best plan for them.”
The number of Navigator organizations has grown significantly from just one five years ago. These groups are responsible for public education on obtaining coverage and offering enrollment help both in-person and remotely throughout the year. Residents seeking assistance can locate a Navigator via the “We Can Help” section at GetCovered.NJ.gov.
Commissioner Justin Zimmerman noted that more than half a million New Jerseyans have enrolled through Get Covered New Jersey over the past five years: “Working with our partner Navigators, the State has seen a record number enrolled in Get Covered New Jersey over the last five years, with more than 500,000 New Jerseyans signing up for quality, affordable health care coverage. With the expiration of enhanced federal tax credits and other federal changes, it is now more important than ever that Navigators are available to provide outreach, education, and enrollment assistance to help consumers get enrolled and stay enrolled in a plan that best fits their needs,” said Commissioner Zimmerman. “Navigators rely on their understanding of their communities to connect residents to coverage and financial help available through Get Covered New Jersey, and we are pleased to be able to grow this network for the new plan year.”
Enhanced federal premium tax credits—which have helped lower costs for many—are set to expire at year’s end unless Congress acts. The administration warns that letting these credits lapse could lead to significant premium increases; nearly 454,016 people could see higher premiums if this happens.
Recent federal policy changes also affect eligibility and enrollment rules nationwide. In June 2025, new regulations were finalized by federal agencies impacting all marketplaces including Get Covered New Jersey. Additionally, legislation signed into law on July 4 introduces further changes that Navigators will explain during consumer consultations.
Since launching its own marketplace operation in late 2020 under state law P.L. 2019 c.141 signed by Governor Murphy—and expanding open enrollment from six weeks federally to three months—New Jersey has increased both investment in Navigators and access points for financial help.
At last year’s close of Open Enrollment, over half a million residents had secured coverage—a figure representing an increase of more than double since state operation began.
Organizations receiving grants must meet strict requirements at both state and federal levels; user fees fund these programs’ operations. Alongside Navigators, Certified Application Counselors (CACs) and brokers also support consumer enrollments after completing required training.
For those interested in becoming certified as CACs or assisting as agents or brokers within the marketplace system—including application details—information is available at GetCovered.NJ.gov under “For Assisters and Brokers.”
Enrollment outside Open Enrollment is limited only to those experiencing qualifying life events such as marriage or relocation.
Get Covered New Jersey remains operated by the Department of Banking and Insurance as the sole source where eligible individuals can receive financial aid toward premiums while comparing private insurance plans suited to their needs or potentially qualifying for NJ FamilyCare based on income.
