The National Office of Medicare and Medicaid recently held a press conference at NJCU in hopes of getting the word out to students about enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Approximately 350 campuses nationwide have pledged to the White House – under the Healthy Campus Challenge – to help students get health care.

Applicants must enroll by Thursday, Dec. 15 for new coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2017. (If you miss the deadline, you can still enroll but your coverage won’t start on Jan. 1.)

“We have students from different backgrounds who work very hard,” said Dr. Sue Henderson, NJCU President. “It’s important that we have healthcare that they can afford. It’s important to our country and our students.”

Open enrollment for insurance coverage began Nov. 1. Within the first month, millions of Americans have already signed up. New Jersey alone had at least 65,000 residents enroll for a plan. “Obtaining health care can be a complicated process,” said Vivian Brady-Phillips, Deputy Mayor of Jersey City. “We’ve worked hard with fellow residents all over New Jersey to help them get the proper health care they need.”
The Health Insurance Marketplace is an available option for students to enroll for affordable health insurance coverage. The Marketplace offers private insurance, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Tax credits may also be applied to lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions or medical services.

Visit HealthCare.gov to apply, or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 for further assistance in starting a new health plan.