WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today commented on the newly released Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment numbers in New Jersey, where 161,775 individuals selected a Marketplace plan and an additional 98,240 New Jerseyans enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP.

"Throughout my tenure in Congress I have consistently fought to help New Jerseyans afford the health care they deserve," said Senator Menendez, a member of the Senate Finance Committee that has jurisdiction over health care reform. "And after a rocky start, ACA enrollment turned around dramatically and these New Jersey numbers prove that the health reform was necessary and is working. My goal has always been to make quality, affordable health insurance accessible, and the numbers announced today show we are on our way to seeing that goal become a reality."

Senator Menendez helped include provisions in the health reform bill to end insurance industry abuses, promote women and children's health, and provide for a robust health care delivery system to meet the needs of all New Jerseyans. He alsoauthored a key provision to ensure Federally Qualified Health Centers - including the 20 community health centers in New Jersey which see more than 1.3 patient visits a year - can continue providing high-quality care.

Key findings from today's announcement include:

  • 161,775New Jerseyans selected Marketplace plans from October 1, 2013, through March 31, 2014, (including additional Special Enrollment Period activity through April 19th).
  • Of the 161,775 New Jerseyans who selected a plan:
    • 53% are female and 47% are male;
    • 32% are under age 35;
    • 25% are between the ages of 18 and 34;
    • 69% selected a Silver plan, while 14% selected a Bronze plan; and,
    • 84% selected a plan and received financial assistance.

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