N.J. banking department announces $5 million grant opportunity for health insurance navigators
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance has announced a $5 million grant opportunity for community organizations to serve as state-certified Navigators, providing free assistance to residents enrolling in health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey.
The funding will support organizations that help consumers enroll in coverage during the Get Covered New Jersey Open Enrollment Period and throughout 2027.
“Enrollment assistance is key to helping consumers access health insurance. As federally mandated changes continue to make it more difficult for residents to enroll and afford coverage, support from these local organizations is vital in helping New Jerseyans understand their coverage options,” said Acting Commissioner Susan Ochs. “Navigators offer free one-on-one assistance to support New Jersey consumers in their own communities, connecting them to health coverage and financial help available through Get Covered New Jersey.”
Navigators provide free, unbiased enrollment assistance, conduct public outreach and education, and help consumers understand available health plans and financial assistance. Assistance is available both in person and remotely throughout the state.
The Open Enrollment Period for 2027 coverage will run from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 31, 2027. State officials noted the three-month enrollment period remains in place after a federal rule that would have shortened enrollment to nine weeks was blocked through a legal challenge.
According to the department, recent federal policy changes have made health coverage more expensive for many consumers. Congress did not extend enhanced federal premium tax credits, resulting in tens of thousands of New Jersey residents dropping their marketplace coverage as of April 15, 2026.
Despite those changes, officials said many residents still qualify for financial assistance through New Jersey Health Plan Savings, which provides state subsidies to eligible households earning up to 600% of the federal poverty level.
The department said the $5 million Navigator grant program is funded through user fees that support the operation of the state’s health insurance marketplace. Last year, the department awarded $5 million to 30 Navigator organizations, compared with $400,000 for one federally funded Navigator organization in 2019.
Organizations seeking funding must demonstrate experience in health or social services, health insurance enrollment, consumer advocacy or similar fields, and must meet state and federal certification requirements.
Applications for the New Jersey State Navigator Program are due July 31, 2026.
More information about the grant opportunity is available through the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, while residents seeking enrollment assistance can visit GetCovered.NJ.gov to find a local assister.
