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MoneyGeek Logo IconBestHealth InsuranceNew Jersey
2023

Best Health Insurance in New Jersey

Best Overall - AmeriHealth
Best for Low MOOP - Aetna Medicare
Best Cheap - AmeriHealth
Best for Young Adults - Aetna Medicare
Best for EPO - AmeriHealth

Best Overall for Health Insurance in New Jersey

AmeriHealth offers the best health insurance in New Jersey, with a MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100. It provides cost-effective policies, the lowest maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs and better-than-average claims processing. We analyzed 205 Silver exclusive provider organization (EPO) plans for this category.

AmeriHealth

pros

Lowest average MOOP costs

0% claims denial rate

Affordable rates

cons

Limited plan options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

We determined that AmeriHealth is the best option for health insurance in New Jersey. The provider offers 60 Silver EPO plans with the lowest average maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) cost of $8,042. On average, it charges $642 for its plans, which is not the lowest in New Jersey. Since AmeriHealth has a 0% claims denial rate, it’s likely not to reject your legitimate claims.

Plan Recommendations

MoneyGeek recommends the following plans:

  • IHC Select Silver EPO HSA AmeriHealth Hospital Advantage $50/$75: $432 per month on average (MOOP of $7,450)
  • IHC Silver EPO HSA Local Value $50/$75: $590 per month on average (MOOP of $7,200)
  • IHC Silver EPO HSA AmeriHealth Hospital Advantage $50/$75: $483 per month on average (MOOP of $7,450)

Best Health Insurance in New Jersey for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs

The best insurance provider for low MOOP costs in New Jersey is Aetna, scoring 78 out of 100. It rarely denies claims and offers one of the lowest MOOP costs and affordable plans. We analyzed 55 Gold EPO plans and five Gold health maintenance organization (HMO) plans for this category.

Aetna Medicare

pros

Does not deny legitimate claims

Low MOOP costs

Affordable plans

cons

Only EPO plans available

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Those looking for low MOOP costs in New Jersey will benefit the most from Aetna. The insurer offers 15 Gold EPO plans, costing an average of $709 monthly. The average MOOP of this provider is $7,000. We found that Aetna rarely denies claims, which means you can expect to get approval on your legitimate claims.

Plan Recommendations

We recommend considering the following plans:

  • Gold: Aetna Whole Health network: $709 monthly (MOOP of $7,000)
  • Gold: Aetna Whole Health network + Ped Dental: $710 monthly (MOOP of $7,000)

Best Cheap Health Insurance in New Jersey

AmeriHealth is the ideal option for the best cheap health insurance in New Jersey, scoring 83 out of 100. We ranked this provider after analyzing plans based on low monthly premiums. Opting for plans with lower premiums will mean paying higher out-of-pocket costs. We assessed 205 EPO plans for this category.

If you're focused soley on cost, MoneyGeek also determined the cheapest health insurance in New Jersey.

AmeriHealth

pros

Lowest MOOP out of the insurers we evaluated

Lowest claims denial rate

Good rates

cons

Only EPO plans available

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

We found AmeriHealth the cheapest option for health insurance in New Jersey. The company’s plans cost an average of $642 per month, and its average MOOP is $8,042. Its average MOOP is the lowest in New Jersey, but the company only offers eight EPO plans. You won’t have to worry about claims denial with this insurer; with its 0% claims denial rate, it’s likely to accept all your claims.

Plan Recommendations

Based on our research, it’s worth considering the following plans:

  • IHC Select Silver EPO HSA AmeriHealth Hospital Advantage $50/$75: $432 monthly on average (MOOP of $7,450)
  • IHC Silver EPO HSA AmeriHealth Hospital Advantage $50/$75: $438 monthly on average (MOOP of $7,450)
  • IHC Silver EPO HSA Local Value $50/$75: $590 monthly on average (MOOP of $7,200)

Best Health Insurance for Young Adults in New Jersey

Aetna offers the best health insurance for young adults in New Jersey, scoring 92 out of 100. In our analysis, we included insurers that offer Bronze or Catastrophic plans. These plans cost less but have higher out-of-pocket costs. However, only those under 30 can buy a Catastrophic plan. We analyzed 105 Bronze EPO plans and 12 Catastrophic EPO plans for this category.

Aetna Medicare

pros

Lowest monthly costs among other insurers

Never denies legitimate claims

Lowest maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) costs

cons

Only offer EPO plans

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Our analysis shows young adults can benefit the most from Aetna’s health plans. The company charges an average cost of $291, which is the lowest among other insurers in New Jersey. It also has the lowest MOOP cost at $7,925. The insurer offers 30 Bronze EPO plans in the state. Aetna scored the highest for claims denial, which means it has a better-than-average score and will never deny your claims.

Plan Recommendations

We recommend the following plans from Aetna:

  • Bronze: Aetna Whole Health network HDHP: $254 monthly on average for an 18-year-old and $285 monthly for a 26-year-old (MOOP is $7,000)
  • Bronze: Aetna Whole Health network HDHP + Ped Dental: $254 monthly on average for an 18-year-old and $285 monthly for a 26-year-old (MOOP is $7,000)
  • Bronze: Aetna Whole Health network: $265 monthly on average for an 18-year-old and $297 monthly for a 26-year-old (MOOP is $8,850)

Best Health Insurance by Plan Type in New Jersey

Insurers generally offer different plan types. AmeriHealth is the best insurance provider in New Jersey for EPO plans. We only analyzed Silver plans as they balance monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. There are 205 Silver EPO plans available in the state.

Best for EPO: AmeriHealth

AmeriHealth
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

AmeriHealth provides 60 Silver EPO plans in New Jersey. The average cost of these plans is $642 per month, and the average MOOP is $8,042. With a 0% claims denial rate, this provider will likely accept your claims.

EPO plans are similar to HMOs, which means you must stay in the network except in an emergency. But you might not need a referral each time you see a specialist.

Plan Recommendations

MoneyGeek recommends the following plans from AmeriHealth:

  • IHC Select Silver EPO HSA AmeriHealth Hospital Advantage $50/$75: $432 per month ($7,450 MOOP)
  • IHC Silver EPO HSA Local Value $50/$75: $590 per month ($7,200 MOOP)

How to Find the Best Health Insurance for You in New Jersey

The best health insurance for you in New Jersey will vary based on your medical needs and how much you’re willing to pay in monthly costs. We recommend considering these factors when buying a health insurance plan.

  • doctor icon

    Understand when a health insurance plan will cover you

    EPO plans in New Jersey generally do not allow out-of-network coverage, making it mandatory for you to stay in network except for emergencies. However, these plans do not make it necessary to have a referral every time you want to see a specialist. HMO plans, on the other hand, require a referral in order to see a specialist. In addition, you must stay within your provider network, except during emergencies. HMOs are usually cheaper than other plan types. There are 377 EPO and five HMO plans available in the state.

  • money2 icon

    Weigh the cost of premiums vs. the cost of care

    Plans that generally cost less per month have higher out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, AmeriHealth’s IHC Select Silver EPO HSA AmeriHealth Hospital Advantage $50/$75 plan costs only $432 monthly, but its MOOP is $7,450.

    Aetna’s Gold: Aetna Whole Health network ($0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care) plan costs $709 monthly, but its MOOP is $7,000.

Consider New Jersey Medicare or Medicaid if You’re Eligible

Seniors in New Jersey who are over 65 years old or have a qualifying illness or disability can get Medicare. It’s a federal government-sponsored program that helps eligible people get health coverage.

Medicare has the following parts:

  • Part A: Generally pays for hospital stays, including skilled nursing facility care, inpatient care and specific home health care.
  • Part B: Covers the cost of outpatient care, medical and preventative services.
  • Part D: Pays for recommended vaccines and prescription drugs.

You can also opt for Medicaid if your income is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in New Jersey

We answered the following frequently asked questions to address your concerns about plan costs and availability in New Jersey.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.