(Newark – December 8, 2016) – In order to have health insurance coverage in place on Jan. 1, 2017, consumers seeking a plan through the Obamacare exchanges must apply by Dec. 15, 2016. To help accommodate those still looking for a plan, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ) is keeping its phone lines open late from Dec. 12 through Dec. 15, 2016. Consumers shopping for insurance can also visit one of Horizon’s seven in-person enrollment and support locations.

“For people who get their insurance through the individual market, the only way to guarantee coverage effective January 1, 2017 is to sign up by December 15. We’re extending hours at our phone center operations to help customers who haven’t yet enrolled and want the protection of health insurance in place as we ring in the New Year,” said Michael J. Considine, vice president of Consumer and Small Group Markets.

“In 2016, nearly 44,000 New Jerseyans were eligible for, but didn’t take advantage of, the financial assistance the federal government offers to lower the cost of health insurance. Whether they’re looking for their first health insurance plan or shopping for a new plan because their current plan doesn’t meet their needs or isn’t being offered in 2017, customers can call one of our sales agents, visit a Horizon mall location or retail center or shop online to learn about different plans, receive financial assistance if they qualify, and enroll,” Considine continued.

Online bi-lingual, self-service sales portal:

Consumers can visit www.shop.horizonblue.com 24-7 and in a few simple steps learn if they qualify for a subsidy, compare plans, and enroll.

Extended Phone Center Hours:

Those who want to determine if they qualify for financial assistance, learn about our plans and enroll can call 1-877-347-3459 to speak directly with Horizon BCBSNJ sales agents, including bilingual agents.

Phone agents will be available during the following operating hours:
Monday, Dec. 12 & Tuesday, Dec. 13 - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 14 & Thursday, Dec. 15 - 8 a.m. to Midnight

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The Horizon Sales Phone Center will resume normal business hours on December 16^th: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - to 8 p.m and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. The Phone Center will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

New Jerseyans can also visit a retail service center, including two operated jointly with Hola Doctor, to obtain one-on-one, in-person assistance:

Horizon BCBSNJ Mall Locations:

Open Monday-Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Horizon BCBSNJ kiosks will be in the following mall locations from November 1 through January 31:

• Woodbridge Center -- 250 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ.
• Ocean County Mall – 1201 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ.
• Newport Centre Mall -- 30 Mall Drive West, Jersey City, NJ.
• Willowbrook Mall -- 1400 Willowbrook Mall Rd., Wayne, NJ.

Horizon Offices/Connect Retail Center:

• Horizon Connect Retail Center in Burlington County - 1680 Nixon Drive, East Gate Square. Moorestown, NJ 08057 Open Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.
• Horizon Retail Center in Newark – 3 Penn Plaza East, Newark, NJ 07105 Open Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

Hola Doctor sales and service centers:

Open Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and Saturday –Sunday 9am-5pm.

Jersey City - 353 Central Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07307 1-844-440-2233

Perth Amboy - 197 Smith Street, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

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About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health service corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is leading the transformation of health care in New Jersey by working with doctors and hospitals to deliver innovative, patient-centered programs that reward the quality, not quantity, of care patients receive. Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association serving more than 3.8 million members.