i/m/o
Freelancers Consumer Operated and Oriented Program of New Jersey
D/B/A
Health Republic Insurance of New Jersey
in Rehabilitation
570 Broad Street, Suite 1100, Newark, New Jersey 07102
[Date]
ID No.:[ ]
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State Zip]
Dear [Name]:
Health Republic Insurance of New Jersey will not offer health
insurance in New Jersey in 2017.
Here’s what is happening and what it means for you.
Important: Take action no later than December 31, 2016 so you can be enrolled in a new plan
effective January 1, 2017 and avoid having a gap in coverage.
What’s happening?
Health Republic Insurance of New Jersey (Health Republic) is in hazardous financial condition and the
Superior Court of New Jersey (Court) has declared the company insolvent. The Court issued an Order of
Rehabilitation which allows the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (Department) to take
control of the company. The last day of your current Health Republic coverage is December 31, 2016.
Read this letter carefully and review all of your options.
When can you enroll in a new plan for 2017?
The annual open enrollment period begins November 1, 2016 and runs until January 31, 2017. Since
your current plan is ending, you are eligible for a special enrollment period that will overlap with the
annual open enrollment period and you can enroll in a different plan anytime between November 1,
2016 and March 1, 2017.
How to enroll to get a January 1 effective date
If you want to avoid a gap in coverage between when your Health Republic plan ends on December 31,
2016 and the effective date of your new plan you need to pick up a new plan to be effective January 1,
2017.
If you enroll through the Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) and want coverage to start January 1,
2017, make sure you enroll in a new plan on the Marketplace no later than December 15, 2016. If you
wait beyond that date, you will be assigned an effective date that is after January 1, 2017.
If you buy a new plan outside the Marketplace and want coverage to start January 1, 2017 you need to
apply and pay your first premium no later than December 31, 2016. Buying a new plan outside the
Marketplace means you apply directly to an insurance company.
Outside the Marketplace
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Effect of enrolling with an effective date after January 1, 2017
Since your Health Republic plan ends December 31, 2016 enrolling with a later effective date will mean
you will have a gap in coverage. Any services or supplies you receive starting January 1 until the date
your new plan is effective will not be covered.
If you are enrolling through the Marketplace and enroll from the 1st to the 15th of the month the
effective date will be the first of the next month. If you enroll from the 16th through the end of the
month the effective date will be the first of the second month. For example, if you enroll on January
5th, the effective date of the new plan will be February 1st. If you enroll on January 25th, the effective
date of the new plan will be March 1st.
If you are applying outside the Marketplace and apply as late as the end of the month the effective
date will be the first of the next month. For example, if you enroll on January 25th the effective date of
the new plan will be February 1st. Some insurance companies allow a 15th of the month effective date
in addition to a 1st of the month effective date. If this might interest you ask your selected insurance
company if the 15th of the month effective date is available.
Here are the details about what you need to do.
1. Decide whether to apply outside Marketplace like you did for Health Republic or whether you want
to enroll through the Marketplace.
You bought your current Health Republic plan outside the Marketplace which means you either bought
it with the help of an agent or you contacted Health Republic directly. You can look for a replacement
plan with the assistance of an agent or by calling an insurance company directly. The following website
has information to assist you with shopping for insurance. On the website you’ll find the names of all of
the insurance companies selling individual plans as well as contact information.
http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/ihcseh/shop_ihc.htm
Buying outside the marketplace means that you didn’t receive any savings from the Marketplace such as
premium tax credits or reduced cost sharing. Even if you didn’t get these savings last year, if your
income is below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, it may be worth it to check with the Marketplace to
see if you might qualify this year.
2. Choose a plan.
YOU HAVE THREE WAYS TO LOOK INTO NEW PLANS AND ENROLL:
a) Visit healthcare.gov and look at Marketplace plans.
b) Visit healthcare.gov and see if you qualify or your family qualifies for NJ FamilyCare
c) Look at plans outside the Marketplace at:
http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/ihcseh/shop_ihc.htm
Just keep in mind that if you qualify for financial assistance to lower your monthly premiums or out-ofpocket costs, you can only get these savings if you enroll through the Marketplace. If your income
qualifies you for lower copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, you must enroll in a plan at the Silver
level to take advantage of those lower amounts.
Outside the Marketplace
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What if I can’t afford a Marketplace plan?
YOU CAN CONTACT THE MARKETPLACE AND APPLY FOR A HARDSHIP EXEMPTION. This exemption will
allow you to buy a catastrophic plan that usually has lower monthly premiums and will mainly protect
you from very high medical costs.
When do I need to make a decision and act?
You can enroll in a new plan from November 1, 2016, through March 1, 2017. If you want a plan to be
effective on January 1, 2017 so there isn’t a gap in your coverage, either:
 apply by December 31, 2016 if you are buying outside the Marketplace, either directly from the
insurance company or with the assistance of an agent; or
 apply by December 15, 2016 if you are enrolling through the Marketplace
(www.healthcare.gov).
Questions? Get in touch.
● Visit Healthcare.gov, or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to learn more about the
Marketplace, to see if you qualify for lower costs, and enroll in a new plan
● Find in-person help from an assister, agent, or broker in your community at
Localhelp.Healthcare.gov.
● Call Healthcare.gov at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to request a reasonable
accommodation at no cost to you if you have a disability.
● Visit http://www.state.nj.us/dobi/division_insurance/ihcseh/shop_ihc.htm
This notice is also available in alternative formats upon request and at no cost to persons with
disabilities.
Getting help in other languages
Si usted necesita asistencia en Español por favor llame 888-990-5706.
Sincerely,
Health Republic Member Services team
Outside the Marketplace
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