Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Helps Patients Re-Apply to Keep Healthcare Coverage

The Medical Center urges patients to plan for the unwinding of the Public Health Emergency

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center is working with patients to help them keep their healthcare coverage as the Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends. We are committed to assuring everyone has access to healthcare and has necessary health insurance coverage. Since March 2020, NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid has followed the federal COVID-19 PHE rules allowing NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid members to keep healthcare coverage, even if they no longer qualify. When the federal government determines that the PHE is over, NJ FamilyCare will resume standard federal rules.

As the PHE ends, NJ FamilyCare will begin “unwinding” or reviewing members enrolled in an NJ FamilyCare program to see if they still qualify for coverage. Those currently covered will receive mail from the State of New Jersey, or their County Board of Social Services asking members to provide or confirm additional information. NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid will decide which members still qualify for healthcare coverage. Members who do not respond to NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid mail will lose their coverage.

The unwinding begins on April 1, 2023, and ends on December 31, 2024. Bergen New Bridge can help patients with the application process. A Bergen County Board of Social Services caseworker is at the Medical Center to assist with applications and is now available Mondays through Thursdays from 8am to noon. Appointments can be scheduled by email at CentralScheduling@newbridgehealth.org or by phone at 201.225.7130. For more information, visit Patient Financial Assistance.

If you still qualify for coverage, nothing will change. If you no longer qualify, watch for guidance on applying for coverage through the healthcare market. An extra open enrollment period will be available soon.