Governor Phil Murphy and Commissioner Justin Zimmerman of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance have announced $5 million in Navigator grant awards to 30 community organizations. The funding is intended to help uninsured residents access health coverage through Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official health insurance marketplace, during the upcoming Open Enrollment Period from November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026.
The grants will support Navigators who provide free outreach, education, and enrollment assistance in more than ten languages across all counties in New Jersey. These organizations will assist residents both in-person and remotely with understanding their options for quality, affordable health insurance and applying for financial aid.
“Throughout my time as Governor, we have made access to quality and affordable health care a fundamental priority for all of our residents,” said Governor Murphy. “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.”
This year marks an increase from just one Navigator organization five years ago. Since 2019, over $28 million has been allocated by the Murphy Administration to fund these efforts.
Commissioner Zimmerman highlighted recent trends: “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,” he said. “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.”
Federal enhanced premium tax credits—which have helped lower costs for many—are set to expire at year-end unless Congress acts. Without these credits being extended by Congress (https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562024/approved/20240914a.shtml), premiums could rise significantly for hundreds of thousands of state residents. In September 2025 Governor Murphy joined governors from other states urging Congressional leaders to extend these credits; Commissioner Zimmerman also sent information about potential impacts on families if they lapse.
Recent federal actions are expected to affect eligibility rules nationwide. On June 25th this year (https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/final-rule-streamlining-medicaid-chip-and-basic-health-program-application-enrollment-renewal-and), CMS finalized new regulations impacting all state marketplaces including Get Covered New Jersey. Additionally on July 4th President Trump signed into law legislation making further changes affecting Healthcare.gov as well as state-run exchanges.
New Jersey began operating its own marketplace on November 1st, 2020 under P.L. 2019 c.141 signed by Governor Murphy after expanding open enrollment periods beyond those offered federally.
At last year’s close of Open Enrollment over half a million people had signed up via Get Covered New Jersey—a figure that has doubled since state operation began—with most receiving some form of financial assistance.
Organizations receiving Navigator grants must comply with both state and federal requirements; additional support comes from Certified Application Counselors (CACs) and brokers who also undergo required training before assisting consumers.
Open Enrollment is generally the only period when most people can sign up unless they experience qualifying life events such as marriage or moving homes.
Get Covered New Jersey remains operated by the Department of Banking and Insurance as a platform where eligible individuals may compare plans from private insurers—and potentially qualify for low-cost or free coverage depending on income levels.
