Nearly 14% of New Jersey residents who enrolled in health insurance plans through the state’s marketplace have dropped their coverage since the end of open enrollment, state officials said, citing rising premiums tied to federal policy decisions.

Enrollment in Get Covered New Jersey, the state’s official marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act, fell to 440,362 as of April 15 — a decline of 68,830 people from the 509,192 who signed up by the January 31 close of open enrollment.

State officials attributed the drop largely to higher monthly premiums following the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits, which had helped lower costs for consumers. Many enrollees failed to pay their premiums once bills came due, resulting in coverage losses.

“Across the board, we are seeing costs skyrocket for New Jersey families as a direct result of the federal government’s mismanagement,” Governor Mikie Sherrill said in a statement. “These decisions have real consequences for our communities.”

Among those who remain insured, many are opting for lower-premium plans with higher out-of-pocket costs. The share of consumers selecting Silver-tier plans dropped from 83% in 2025 to 68% in 2026, while enrollment in Bronze plans nearly doubled, rising from 16% to 31%.

At the same time, the proportion of enrollees paying $10 or less per month for coverage fell sharply — from 48% last year to just 11% this year.

State officials also warned that additional federal proposals could further reduce enrollment, including a plan to shorten the open enrollment period to nine weeks. Previously, New Jersey residents had up to three months to sign up for coverage.

Despite the declines, most marketplace enrollees still receive financial assistance. About 80% of participants qualify for some level of aid, according to the state.

New Jersey continues to offer its own subsidies through a program known as NJ Health Plan Savings, which is available to residents earning up to 600% of the federal poverty level. Since 2021, the state has invested more than $1 billion to help residents afford coverage.

Residents who experience qualifying life events, such as marriage, pregnancy, or relocation, may still enroll outside the standard open enrollment period.