New Jersey strives to make health care services accessible for all citizens. In 1992, the New Jersey Legislature created affordable access to health insurance programs for individuals and small employers. The coverage options prohibit denial of services due to health status, age, claims history or other risk factors. Thousands of health care facilities serve New Jersey residents, and they provide emergency care, routine health care and preventive services.
Individuals
New Jersey ensures that individuals can purchase health coverage if they do not have access to employer- or government-sponsored health care services. Coverage is not restricted by age or health status, and individuals are guaranteed renewable health coverage under the Individual Health Coverage Program Board and the Basic and Essential plans.
Small Employers
Small Employer Health Benefits (SEH) programs ensure that small employers have access to group health benefits regardless of occupation or member health status, and the ability to renew coverage annually regardless of the group's claims experience or member health status. Members may continue coverage if they become ineligible for the group's health benefits, even if COBRA is not legally required.
Uninsured
New Jersey enacted a new health insurance option in 2010 for uninsured citizens with preexisting health conditions, and the coverage is more affordable than individual plans. The NJ Protect plan is federally subsidized and no out-of-pocket costs are paid by the policyholder for preventive care. Eligible participants must be legal U.S. citizens, New Jersey residents for at least six months and have a preexisting condition. Participants must not be eligible for Medicare or other group plans.
Family Options
New Jersey FamilyCare offers low cost or no cost health insurance to qualified children and low-income parents. Participants must prove legal permanent U.S. residency for at least five years, must meet specific income guidelines and must have children under age 21 residing in the household.
Other Coverage Options
New Jersey offers other options for individuals seeking quality health care and preventive services. New Jersey's Center for Primary Health Care (CPHC) provides services for children and adults. Health insurance is not required for treatment, and the centers also accept Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. Uninsured patients are billed according to their ability to pay and no individual is ever denied treatment. The centers provide a variety of services, including pediatric, women's health, internal medicine, mental health, dental health, health education, preventive screenings and more.
Facilities
Whether patients have private health insurance, government- or employer-supported programs or are uninsured, New Jersey offers thousands of health care facility options. All Business has compiled a list of more than 7,000 New Jersey health care facilities, including clinics, outpatient services, hospitals, substance abuse facilities, nursing, rehab and residential facilities. New Jersey residents can choose facilities best suited for their health care needs and ability to pay.
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